Twenty-four-year-old Hellen Sekivara Naqu from the Solomons was lost for words after being admitted to the bar on Thursday by Chief Justice Anthony Gates.

She is the first lawyer in her family. She said she could not believe that she was admitted.

“Today’s experience is very overwhelming, I did not expect to be admitted to practise law in a country other than my own,” Ms Naqu said.

“I only realised that after the Chief Justice spoke about responsibility in his speech.”

She thanked her friends who were cheering her on, as she was sworn in on oath at the Suva High Court.

“I wish my parents could be here today to witness this special day and celebrate with me,” she said.

She showed utmost appreciation to her father, who works in the investment field and her mother who is a midwife and her three sisters for their unconditional support while she studied law in Vanuatu and Fiji.

Ms Naqu also acknowledged the Australian government for sponsoring her during the duration of her law studies.

“I’m grateful to AusAid for extending my scholarship which enabled me to stay in Fiji and attend the admission ceremony today.”

Moving forward, Ms Naqu said she would return to her country and gain two years of experience in the legal field before she is eligible to be admitted to the Bar.

“I hope to uphold the oath I took today in Court to serve to the best of my ability and hopefully practise law in Fiji.”

Ms Naqu revealed that she aspired to represent disadvantaged women and become an advocate for them.