Years of Holiday Sacrificed for Law Degree

Francis Chattie and Pascall Marcelin are part of a 34 strong cohort from Trinidad and Tobago who came to Staffordshire University in September 2009 and who graduated this month (July).

Francis, aged 44, a policeman in his home country for 25 years, chose to forgo his holiday over seven years so he could accrue enough in lieu to gain his LPC qualification. He said: “I did my LLB in Trinidad and then I had to take vacation leave at work to accumulate enough time so I could utilise that to do the LPC at Staffordshire University. At the end of the day it’s a sacrifice and I made that sacrifice because it will be better for me being a lawyer in Trinidad.”

Francis added: “My time at Staffordshire University has been really enjoyable; the staff are warm and friendly and there has never been a dull moment.”

Pascall, a 53-year-old manager at Trinidad Cement Limited, amassed six months of leave over the past five years and combined this with early retirement to complete his award.

“I’ve always wanted to move into law because my job is about contracts and I’ve always been interested in that. I feel I can bring my work experience over the past 25 years to the job.
“I’m now going to a law firm to practice for the next six months and then I’m going into private practice,” he said.

Pascall added: “I’ve lived in Stoke-on-Trent since September last year, while I studied for my LPC, and I have made a lot of friends who I’m sure I will stay in professional contact with after I go back to Trinidad. The lecturers and other students have all been really friendly and helpful.”

Helen Fox, award manager on the Legal Practice Course, said: “Pascall made a huge personal sacrifice and has left his family behind for nine months to make the move here. He completes his journey with a Commendation on the Legal Practice Course. And Francis has made great personal effort to come to England and study and his enthusiasm and commitment has been a great asset to the ethos of the course.”

• The Award of Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University was bestowed on Gail Narinesingh, founder of the Trinidadian Institute of Law and Academic Studies (ILAS), during qv Law School ceremony on Monday, July 12. She received the award for her inspirational leadership in teaching law and legal studies.