Guyana Police Force Sergeant Candaceae McLean Douglas has been admitted to practise law in Guyana after completing two years of legal training in The Bahamas, a journey that required her to leave her daughter in the care of relatives.

In a statement, the Guyana Police Force said Douglas, a former Special Prosecutor at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court, drew on the encouragement of her late husband and the support of family, friends and colleagues throughout her journey.

Douglas earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Guyana in 2016. She later worked at Hughes, Fields and Stoby while teaching Law, Sociology and Caribbean Studies part-time at President’s College.

According to the Police Force, her interest in criminal law developed during her time at the law firm. She subsequently completed the University of Guyana’s Certificate in Advocacy and Evidence for Summary Court Prosecutors, graduating with distinction in 2023.

She then joined the Police Force as a Sergeant and served as a Special Prosecutor in Regional Division Three, handling summary criminal matters at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court.

In 2024, Douglas enrolled at the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas. The Police Force said she left her daughter, Adirah, in the care of family members while completing the two-year programme.

During her training, Douglas and her teammates won the STEP Bahamas Mooting Competition. Her team also placed third in the 16th Annual Caribbean Court of Justice International Mooting Competition.

She served as Secretary of the Eugene Dupuch Student Association and received the Colin E. Callender Prize for Most Outstanding Student in the Commercial and Financial Services Clinic during her first year.

The statement said Douglas credited her family, friends, mentors, church communities and police colleagues for supporting her through her studies and professional journey. She also acknowledged the support of senior police officials, including Commissioner Clifton Hicken.

As she enters the legal profession, Douglas said she intends to uphold fairness, equity, compassion and justice, with an emphasis on treating people with dignity and respect.