Though he was not present to witness his daughter, Michelle, being admitted to the Bar, veteran calypsonian the Mighty Sparrow congratulated her via telephone yesterday. Sparrow, whose real name is Slinger Francisco has been the focus of attention since his performance at the National Academy of the Performing Arts last weekend. He appeared on stage in a wheelchair and was not his usual vibrant self.
Days later rumours spread that he had succumbed causing his family distress. His 29-year-old daughter admitted that rumours were "blown out of proportion." But she said she understood the concern of his fans. In an interview yesterday, she said: "He is doing very well and taking care of his health. We spoke this morning and he wished me all the best even though he could not be here. He was laughing and joking and he said he was proud of me." Apart from Francisco, 36 other people were admitted to the Bar at the Hall of Justice, Knox Street in Port-of-Spain.
Tobagonians from left Kerry Pantin, Candice Grant, Niquelle Nelson-Granville pose for a photograph outside the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain after being admitted to the Bar yesterday.
Michelle returns to the United States on Sunday where she will practise for a while "before I come back to Trinidad." The former Holy Name Convent student was also called to the New York State Bar after studying at St John's University. She returned to Trinidad and did a six-month transition course at the Hugh Wooding Law School so she could practise here. "I want to keep my options open but I definitely want to come back here", Michelle said. After doing her A levels at Holy Name she attended Brooklyn College where she received an honours degree in psychology.