Tributes pour in for late Attorney Rinee Kissoon

…legal community and public figures remember her brilliance, compassion, and courage

As family, friends, and colleagues prepare to bid farewell to Attorney-at-Law Rinee Kissoon, tributes have flooded social media celebrating her life, brilliance, and enduring impact on Guyana’s legal community.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali described Kissoon as “a highly skilled Attorney-at-Law whose commitment to her clients and to service within the justice system was defined by technical excellence.”

He noted that “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.”

The President added that she would be remembered for her “unshakable sense of duty to her clients and to the law,” emphasising that she often represented those “whose means were modest but whose causes were just.”

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand shared a deeply personal tribute, recalling Kissoon’s brilliance and warmth.

“Rinee Kissoon will continue to be known as an outstanding Attorney-at-Law with excellent advocacy skills and undeniable, inspiring learning and confidence in the courtroom… She was petite in stature but that wasn’t represented in the measure of passion and fierceness and measured, brilliant, deliberate and considered representation she brought to the bar on behalf of her clients.”

The Minister reflected on Kissoon’s balance of strength and kindness, saying, “She was also a loyal and faithful friend. And funny. And witty. And snarky. And thoughtful and wise in her contributions to her friendships… She cannot be forgotten. She will not be forgotten. She lives on in all the lives she touched and moved and moulded. I love you. Rest well, Rinz.”

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C., recalled knowing Kissoon since their law school days, describing her as “brilliant, eloquent and charming,” and credited her for introducing “an inimitable fashionable mode of stylish attire” to the profession. He said she held her own among some of the most respected legal giants and “won their respect and on many occasions prevailed over them on complex matters of law and procedure.”

He noted that even after her migration to the United States, “she distinguished herself at the New York Bar as well,” and upon returning to Guyana, continued to be “a most-able adversary” in the courtroom.

Former Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine also paid tribute, writing, “During my tenure as Mayor of Georgetown, the council retained Ms. Kissoon as one of its attorneys. She provided invaluable legal advice and guidance to the Office of the Mayor and the City Council whenever called upon. Her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to justice were exemplary.”

In a message of solidarity, Recover Guyana extended condolences to Kissoon’s daughter, Anushka Singh, who serves as the organisation’s 2025 Youth Environment Speaker.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and Membership at Recover Guyana, we extend our heartfelt condolences to our 2025 Youth Environment Speaker, Anushka Singh, on the passing of her beloved mother, Rinee Kissoon,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Justice Narindra Singh, Anushka, Naveen, and the entire family during this time of sorrow. May her memory be a blessing, and may the family find strength and peace in the love that surrounds them.”

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag also added a personal note on social media.

“Rest in peace dear Rinee, you were a sweet soul with a quiet strength.”

The legal profession and wider community continue to mourn the loss of a woman described as a “shining example of what true service to the law should be.”

Her funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 10, where family, friends, and colleagues will gather to honour her life and legacy.