Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was a proud mother on Thursday as her only son, Kris Shiva Bissessar, graduated with a law degree from the University of the West Indies (UWI), following in her footsteps.
The occasion was a double celebration for the Prime Minister, as her niece, Divya Maraj, also graduated during the ceremony at the UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre in St Augustine on October 22.
Speaking to reporters, Persad-Bissessar expressed her happiness at seeing her son pursue the same field in which she built her professional career before entering politics.
She highlighted the similarities in their academic journeys, explaining that both began as teachers after initially studying education before moving into law.
Kris Shiva, who already holds a degree in education, explained that he decided to pursue law because it better suited his professional ambitions.
“For professional reasons, I thought law would better suit me,” he said.
He also credited his mother’s encouragement and guidance throughout his studies, acknowledging that finding sufficient time to study effectively had been among his greatest challenges.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to encourage young people to pursue education, describing it as one of the most powerful tools for overcoming poverty and improving their lives.
For Persad-Bissessar, the graduation represented more than an academic achievement. It was a special family moment as her son continued along a professional path remarkably similar to her own. Anchor script
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had every reason to smile on Thursday, as her only son, Kris Shiva Bissessar, graduated with a law degree from the University of the West Indies.
And it was a double celebration for the family, with the Prime Minister’s niece, Divya Maraj, also graduating at the ceremony in St Augustine.
Speaking with reporters, Persad-Bissessar expressed pride in her son’s achievement and welcomed his decision to follow her into the field of law.
Interestingly, their academic journeys share striking similarities.
Both began their careers in teaching, having first pursued degrees in education before turning their attention to law.
Kris Shiva explained that he believed law would better suit his professional ambitions.
He also praised his mother’s support, saying her advice helped him navigate the challenges of studying and managing his time.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to deliver a wider message to young people across Trinidad and Tobago, encouraging them to embrace education as a pathway to opportunity and a better future.
For the country’s leader, Thursday was not about politics, but about celebrating a proud milestone in her son’s life.
