This week we feature Young Professional Ms Andrea A. Walters. Photo: Provided

An ambitious Virgin Islander—hailing from Greenland, Tortola—Ms Andrea A. Walters ultimately intends to serve as the Territory’s homegrown Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and ultimately a Judge in the Appeal Court. Photo: Provided

Young Professional Ms Andrea A. Walters, is currently a Litigation Trainee with the Maples Group, where the married, 30-year-old mother of one, ‘Shadows’ the senior lawyers and partners in the litigation department. Photo: Provided

An ambitious Virgin Islander—hailing from Greenland, Tortola—Ms Walters ultimately intends to serve as the Territory’s homegrown Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and ultimately a Judge in the Appeal Court.

Training

Inspired by former Deputy Premier, Honourable R. Dancia Penn-Salah OBE, QC, in the pursuit of a career in the legal profession, Ms Walters told this publication, “during my high school journey, I heard Hon Dancia Penn speaking and I was inspired by her presentation and that was when I decided that I also wanted to be a lawyer.”

Currently a Litigation Trainee with the Maples Group, the married, 30-year-old mother of one, presently ‘Shadows’ the senior lawyers and partners in the litigation department.

According to Ms Walters, this allows for researching legislation and debating issues with colleagues to reach solutions to support our clients.

Good Example

“In addition, I am afforded the opportunity to shadow senior attorneys and partners on large cases.”

Determined to succeed and to set a good example for “my 8-year old daughter who looks to me for guidance,” Ms Walters intends to, “ultimately (be recognised) as one of the most highly regarded lawyers in this region.”

She previously worked as a Paralegal at another offshore law firm, having completed undergraduate studies in Law in 2014.

Early Education

She first attended the Francis Lettsome Primary School where she graduated in 2000 with her Grade 1 Certificate.

It was then on to the BVI High School where she graduated in 2005 with High Honours and a Grade 1 Certificate.

Tertiary Education for Ms Walters began with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus in conjunction with H. Lavity Stout Community College (HLSCC) where she pursued studies in Associates of Science in Paralegal Studies and graduated with First Class Honours in 2007.

Our Young Professional also obtained her Bachelor of Laws training and certification in Barbados where she graduated with First Class Honours and in Trinidad and Tobago, where she obtained her Legal Education Certificate.

Advice

Her advice to Young Virgin Islanders, Ms Walters, “never let your circumstances determine your destiny.”

According to Young Professional, Ms Andrea A. Walters, “If it is one thing I have learnt in 30-years, is that there is purpose in delay and rejection…God or whoever you decide your creator to be always has better in store for you.”

She said young people should also, “never feel guilty for achieving your goals because people always see the final product but they never see the sacrifices you made to achieve those goals….Also never take life too seriously that you do not enjoy it and do not forget where you come from or the people who have helped you get where you are and where you need to be.”

Speaking to life lessons so far, Ms Walters quips“ never put all your eggs in one basket and always leave room for a little disappointment.”

Protect Virgin Islanders, Belongers

Asked about her views on changes or improvements she would like to see happen in the territory, Ms Walters was adamant “we must continue to protect the interest of Virgin Islanders and Belongers as far as possible because let us be honest, which country in this world and in this region isn't ensuring that the interests of their nationals are paramount to their survival and development.”

According to Ms Walters, “we cannot create an environment where nationals are the minority but we should also create a society where people no matter their color, race or creed—who have legally complied with our Immigration and Labour requirements—feel included,  if we want to continue to develop these islands and compete globally.”