A new member of the Bermuda Bar said the support and kindness of others was crucial to the fulfilment of her ambition to become a lawyer.

Rakaya Simmons-Landy highlighted that qualities such as compassion, empathy and a sense of community were needed to make Bermuda a better place.

At a recent Call to the Bar ceremony before Larry Mussenden, the Chief Justice, Ms Simmons-Landy said she had always wanted to be a lawyer.

As she thanked family, friends and colleagues who helped her overcome a number of hurdles, she told them: “Each of you has played a vital role in shaping my journey and making me a better person.”

She added: “It is impossible to ignore the sombre state of affairs that surrounds us.

“From lawyers falling from grace to families engulfed in sorrow, and the relentless surge in the cost of living, the hurdles we face may seem insurmountable.

“However, in the face of adversity, we must not succumb to despair but instead rise united in solidarity.

“Where can we start? The answer lies in a simple yet powerful concept – show up for one another.

“It is imperative that we extend a helping hand to those who veer off course, offering guidance and support whenever possible.

“If we find ourselves unable to provide assistance, let us seek out those who can, fostering a culture of proactive engagement rather than reactive indifference.”

Ms Simmons-Landy said: “We must shatter the illusion, My Lord, that societal issues only affect certain groups or individuals.

“These challenges are collective burdens that demand a collective response.

“Compassion, empathy and a sense of community are the cornerstones upon which we can rebuild and strengthen the fabric of our society.

“In a time that mental-health challenges are prevalent, it is paramount that we prioritise checking in on our loved ones and even strangers who may be battling silently.

“I, for one, have been fortunate to have a resilient support system, a therapist and a deep faith that sustains me daily. Yet, I am aware that not everyone is as fortunate.

“By joining together and offering our genuine support to those in need, we sow the seeds of a more inclusive and nurturing community where every individual has the opportunity to flourish.”

She added: “I aspire to be remembered not just for accolades or achievements but for the positive impact I have had on others.

“Imagine the transformation we could catalyse if each one of us embraced this mission as our own.

“Bermuda would undoubtedly bloom into a brighter, more compassionate haven for all who call it home.

“Helping others knows no bounds — it transcends barriers of race, religion and wealth, uniting us in our shared humanity.

“Let us forge a community where aiding others is not merely a choice but a way of life – a collective ethos that defines us and propels us towards a brighter future.

“I was reminded of the pivotal role that the kindness of others played in shaping my path. Let us carry forth this spirit of generosity.

“I want all those in court today to remember that the true measure of our success lies not only in our individual achievements but in our collective efforts to uplift and empower those around us.”

Ms Simmons-Landy, who served her pupillage with law firm Trott and Duncan, thanked members of her support network, including her twin sister Aminah, her other sister DeAzha, her mother and her husband.

She said: “My heart is filled with emotion and humility, knowing that this moment would not have been possible without your unconditional love and encouragement.

“Many of you are aware that this journey was not without its challenges and I was not supposed to be standing here today. It is with immense appreciation that I acknowledge the role each of you has played in bringing me to this extraordinary milestone.”

Supporting Ms Simmons-Landy’s application, Delroy Duncan, KC, described his pupil as “an old soul”.

He added: “But that doesn’t do justice to, nor speak of, the critical skills they do not teach at law school, which she has in abundance and will only enhance her undoubted legal skills.

“I prefer to say that she is a young woman of character. It’s a character that we commend her family for instilling in her.

“It is a character we at Trott and Duncan recognise is exemplary in a woman of her age and it’s a character we welcome in the halls of Trott and Duncan as part of the next generation of lawyers who, by the grace of God, will serve this community well into the 21st century.”