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I grew up and lived in Morvant for most of my life, except for a short period in Maloney when my parents separated. While their separation was unfortunate, I believe the decision led to a more peaceful environment for my brothers and me. Notwithstanding the separation and any financial challenges we experienced along the way, my younger days were joyful and active. I am sure my two brothers can echo the same sentiments. 

My mother’s perseverance and resilience in overcoming the hurdles of life; as well as seeing her and my father sacrifice a lot to bring me where I’m at today, always amaze me. I love both of my parents dearly.

Growing up in Morvant did not negatively affect me. Yes, there were a few negative elements around me but I did not let them influence me. The value system instilled by my parents, coupled with their prayers throughout the years, contributed to me not falling prey to becoming a product of my environment. 

As a child, I never dreamt of a specific profession. I was more focused on not having to wait in the box lunch line forever, only to be told there are no more box lunches; or purchasing a new book bag and shoes and not being made fun of because they were “off-brand”. Looking back now, I would say that I just wanted to be happy, successful and free to do what I wanted where time and money were not the deciding factors. 

However, after a few less than desirable experiences in my adolescence, I decided that I wanted to become an Attorney. The two most noteworthy instances at the forefront of my mind were during my Six Form Year, when I felt I was being discriminated against because of my hairstyle. I strongly disliked the rules for what was deemed appropriate hairstyles for boys (particularly of African descent). The other was at age 19 when I worked at a popular fast food chain. There were situations where I felt as though I was taken advantage of. Moreover, the ignorance of my rights as an employee led to me not being able to stand up for myself. It is at this juncture, that I decided that I wanted to be equipped with the tools to stand up for myself and others in a similar position. Being an Attorney, I believe, would allow me to do just that.

As a youth, Jeremy Baptiste knew he didn’t always have the money to fund routine activities like his friends. But as he grew older, he worked toward ensuring he was able to live in a way where time and money were not the deciding factors in what he could do. His experiences in his teens led him to a law degree which he wants to use to empower others, particularly those in his community of Morvant, to be better than what society thinks they are. Here’s what this former fast food outlet worker told us about his experiences to date.

“A battle I genuinely thought would have defeated me” 

Studying for the Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B), however, was not a seamless experience. Two of the major challenges I encountered were related to my mental health and finances. When I started the LL.B, I began to struggle with anxiety for almost a year. A battle I genuinely thought would have defeated me. It is truly my faith in Christ that kept me during these times. A combination of faith and finding the courage to seek help, helped me to overcome this mental situation. My determination to finish what I started, helped to keep me motivated in the face of failures along this journey by trying to balance both work and school.

Rondelle Keller, an attorney, was one of the biggest inspirations during my academic development. Being in awe of his brilliance and his high academic achievement also kept me focused and motivated, as I wanted the same for myself. Although my academic story did not turn out like his, I learned a valuable lesson in extending grace to myself and overcoming the “imposter syndrome”. In observing and admiring others, we must also be aware to not subconsciously compare our journeys as this would only be doing a disservice to our current selves and the future versions of ourselves that we are striving to be. I am also truly inspired by my friend, Rachael Redman. She often shares her life experiences of being a mother, a business owner and an entrepreneur and the unique challenges she has had to overcome. Her strong ambition and tenacity challenge my perspective and inspire me to continue growing amid adversity. My friend Joseph Flemming reminds me of the importance of valuing people and building relationships. His selflessness and the way he genuinely cares for others, their well-being and development coupled with his dependability, inspire me to be a well-rounded and humble individual. I want to be that friend – that others can trust and rely on in good times and not so good times. 

My growing faith and self-belief have kept me motivated throughout my journey. After all the situations I’ve been through just over the past couple of years, I realized that God is the one who has been guiding my steps. He’s been the one I run to when I feel as though I need rest spiritually. He’s my peace, every time I’m faced with situations that bring me anxiety and stress.

Professionally, the Chief Justice; the Hon. Mr Justice Ivor Archie, Ms Delrene Liverpool-Young, Ms Kathy Ann Hogan and Ms Gwyneth Norgriff all inspire me to strive to be the best Attorney I can be and to always strive for excellence not just in my career but in life. 

In the same way that I have been able to look up to others, I will like some of the young men in my community to have positive individuals to look up to, discover their abilities and reach their truest potentials. While numerous successful individuals (and black men) can be considered as role models to the younger generation, I believe that persons who reside in “at-risk communities” are unable to capitalise from formal mentorship programmes because the role models/mentors do not know how or where to even begin to mentor young men in at-risk communities. 

“Be more compassionate and demonstrate understanding”

It is important to acknowledge how the environment discourages other young people from being their best selves. People habitually discredit how environmental influence can influence a child’s upbringing and who they become in the future. However, if we try to be more compassionate and demonstrate understanding, we will realise how our environment contributes to one being his/her best self. Someone who grows up in a wealthy and nurturing household with parents who have a high level of emotional intelligence, is more likely to become successful in life compared to one who comes from a neighbourhood that is plagued with generational poverty. I think we take for granted how difficult it is for someone to break generational curses arising from poverty. Additionally, to make matters more alarming is the fact that people seldom care that you’re living with scarce resources. They tend to judge you based on the manifestations of living through all this trauma i.e. gun violence, high crime rates etc. The cycle continues because we are quicker to condemn rather than to lend a helping hand or solution to the issues facing these “hot spot” communities.

I therefore want to encourage the young men in my community who may be going down a certain path, to expend energy developing themselves holistically instead of seeking community and camaraderie in places that will keep them stuck where they are. Over the years I have found that some people only consider you a friend because you are at the same level and once you strive or desire better, they often resort to the “crab-in-barrel” notion. 

We can be better than what society thinks we are and I hope they realise that.

Prior to attending The UWI St Augustine and Hugh Wooding Law School, Jeremy attended Morvant Epiphany Anglican Primary School and St. Anthony’s College where he obtained four distinctions, two Grade 1’s and one Grade 2; and was named the school’s top academic performer for his CSEC performance. He then did the CAPE Examination where he completed 10 units obtaining one Grade 1, seven Grade 2’s and two Grade 3’s. Jeremy’s personal credo is based on the biblical verse: “Love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: love your neighbour as yourself.” He told us “I do everything in my life in the hope of being the best ambassador of Christ and fulfilling his purpose in my life and letting His will be done onto the same.”