Setting the Course with a Degreein Law
Sandra Catron
Historically, the Cayman Islands have beenblessed with a number of young, talented and well-educated Caymanians.Sandra Catron is yet another example of what these islands haveto offer.
As a recent graduate of the Cayman Islands Law School, Sandrabelieves that having a good education merely opens the right doorsto you. Sandra also has a Bachelor degree from the Universityof South Florida in Professional and Technical Writing. Sandranotes that, "strength of character and having personal convictionsare far more important attributes than being well educated."She currently sits on the Trade and Business Licencing Board,is the secretary for the Cayman Islands Student Association andis the chairman for Anthony Eden's re-election committee.
Whilst obtaining her LL.B. Honours degree from the law schoolSandra worked at the local law firm of Maples and Calder. Shenoted that being in a legal environment whilst pursuing her legaldegree was an added benefit. "It was certainly helpful tobe able to see the practical side of the law. As we do not existin a vacuum, neither does the law. Its application can be seenin many aspects of everyday life."
In an effort for continual self-improvement Sandra is currentlyobtaining an Associates Degree in Business Management. Many describeSandra as being determined and on a constant quest for learning.Whilst admitting that she enjoys the challenges of being a student,Sandra notes that life is full of lessons that cannot be taughtin a classroom. "It is essential to know that life's mostimportant lessons are learned by just living life to its fullest.I encourage young Caymanians, especially women, to educate themselves.""It gives you that added advantage," she adds ,"ina world that has many challenges. However, it's important to knowthat merely having an education is not enough. Most recently,with the passing of my father (the late Urick Solomon of BoddenTown) I came to the realisation that life has great meaning -on an intellectual level I always knew this. Now, however, I understandthis realisation with my heart - not my head."
When asked what her immediate plans are, Sandra notes that shewill be completing her studies at the law school by enrollingin the Professional Practice Course. "Eventually, I see myselfin a position to be of service to my community. Like many people,I do see some things that are wrong with our islands. However,I also see quite a bit that we are successful at.
I see myself running for public service, and giving new meaningto the word service. I hope that my legal degree will be of mostuse in this area."
One social programme that Sandra would like to see implementedin the Cayman Islands is something she calls Teen Court. It waspiloted in Tampa, Florida many years ago and had been highly successful.Sandra explained the programme as being one that is beneficialon many levels.
The main objective of this programme is to allow first-time juvenileoffenders the opportunity to have a second chance - no permanentcriminal record will follow them as a result of this offence.The programme allows them to plead guilty to the offence in question.
She explains, "there is never any question of guilt. Theparticipant must be willing to take full responsibility for theiractions." There is a process where the offender appears beforethe jury of his/her peers and gets an opportunity to tell his/herside of the story. "It is quite a humbling process to bejudged by a jury of your peers", Sandra notes. These peersare provided with a list of penalties and decide (based on theseverity of the offence) what the penalty should be. The programmeis also beneficial for the other peers participating. It actsas a strong deterrent and allows them to participate productively.
Sandra is very optimistic that this programme can work in Cayman.She states, "This programme has worked well in other jurisdictionsand I am confident that with the participation of Social Services,local attourneys, the office of the Attorney General and otherkey individuals it can become a reality. We often hear of problemswith our youth - this is one viable solution."