President Ali posthumously confers silk on Rinee Kissoon

Oct 11, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Attorney-at-Law Rinee Kissoon was on Friday posthumously conferred the status of Senior Counsel by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Kissoon, who died earlier this week and was laid to rest on Friday, is being remembered for having distinguished herself in her legal career and her selfless service.

She hails from a long lineage of lawyers. She was the wife of Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh and the sister of Justice Sandil Kissoon.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, the head of state said “Today, as we paid final respects to the late Attorney-at-Law, Rinee Kissoon, I conferred upon her, posthumously, the title of Senior Counsel in recognition of her exemplary contribution to justice and the law.”

President Ali said, “Rinee earned this distinction through her mastery of the law, her dedication to justice, and the example she set for younger members of the Bar.

She will forever be remembered as a brilliant legal mind, a woman of principle, and now, officially, as Senior Counsel Rinee Kissoon.”

The president said too that Kissoon “walked softly but left deep and lasting footprints on every life she touched.”

“Rinee was more than an Attorney-at-Law — she was a champion for her clients. Her commitment to them was absolute. She saw the law not as a mere career, but as a sacred duty — a means through which she could serve humanity.

She will be remembered for her compassion, kindness, honesty, integrity, astute understanding and practice of the law, and unwavering and persuasive advocacy,” he said.

In an earlier statement posted on the Office of the President’s Facebook page, President Ali extended condolences to Kissoon’s husband Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh, their children, relatives, and friends.

“She will be remembered as a highly skilled Attorney-at-Law whose commitment to her clients and to service within the justice system was defined by technical excellence. Whether in the courtroom or in quiet consultation, she gave of herself fully by preparing meticulously, advocating fearlessly, and upholding the noblest traditions of the Bar,” he said noting that she had “an unshakable sense of duty to her clients and to the law, and possessed an admirable mastery of the law.”

“Rinee’s dedication to her clients went far beyond the letter of professional obligation. She represented many who could not afford her—those whose means were modest but whose causes were just. Their inability to pay her true worth never diminished her representation of them. Even when she was unwell, her clients never saw hesitation or half-measure,” he said.

The head-of-state said Kissoon remains a shining example of what true service to the law should be. “The legal profession has lost an outstanding member. May her soul find eternal bliss, and may her family, relatives, and all those who were touched by her spirit find comfort at this time.”

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand who is also an attorney said on her Facebook page that, “Rinee Kissoon was deservedly but posthumously conferred today with Silk by His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali. She is now forevermore Rinee Kissoon, S.C.

To attain the status of Senior Counsel is an indication that one has reached the pinnacle of their career and has demonstrated excellence in the contributions they made to the development of law through active practice or otherwise,” Minister Manickchand said.

Similarly, in a statement on Wednesday, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, expressed his deep sorrow at Kissoon’s passing. The Attorney General described Ms. Kissoon as “brilliant, eloquent, and charming.”  He recalled that she was admitted to the local bar in 1995 and entered the legal profession at a time when it was still male-dominated.

“She held her own, won their respect, and on many occasions prevailed over them on complex matters of law and procedure…” he said adding that “she had an air of flair and flamboyance that was uniquely hers and can, arguably, be credited for introducing into the legal profession an inimitable fashionable mode of stylish attire, which many have since emulated.”

Nandlall noted too that after making her mark in Guyana, she migrated to the United States, where she continued to distinguish herself before returning home when her husband joined the judiciary.

Reflecting on the quality of her work, the Attorney General recalled having faced Ms. Kissoon in court.  He asserted: “As usual, she was a most able adversary. No doubt she would have qualified to be considered for Silk. However, she was chosen for a higher elevation. The profession has lost a noble daughter.”

In this regard, Nandlall extended condolences to Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Sandil Kissoon, Mr. Jailall Kissoon, and the entire Kissoon family on behalf of the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Government of Guyana.

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• President Ali, Priya Manickchand, Rinee Kissoon, silk

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