The chief guest at this year’s Divali Nagar was Justice Karen Gopee, the first Indo-Caribbean Justice of the Supreme Court of New York, who is from Tunapuna.
Gopee’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and justice.
Raised in Brooklyn, she navigated the challenges of being an immigrant and a minority, all while excelling in her education.
She was appointed to the New York State Criminal Court in 2015 and elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 2021. Gopee currently presides over a bustling Gun Part in Queens.
Before this, her diverse roles included serving as a principal court attorney at the Red Hook Community Justice Center, where she implemented programmes diverting youth from the criminal justice system. Her initiatives, such as Making the Change and Saturday Night Lights, underscore her commitment to addressing violence and providing mentorship to youth.
Recognised for her contributions, Gopee' awards include the Meritorious Award from the American Bar Association.
Her educational path led her from community public schools to achieving honours at the State University of New York at Binghamton.
The mother of two, a daughter and a son, Gopee admits that balancing a home and motherhood along with such a career is challenging.
“I grew up in a very traditional and strict home surrounded by other immigrants with very little means. While my parents expected my sisters and me to go to school and do well, they also expected us to work, do housework and cook.
"That balance allowed me to learn to do a bit of everything and gave me motivation to work hard, concentrate and volunteer.
"Growing up in an immigrant neighbourhood meant that most of my family, friends and neighbours were not educated in the US and needed help to fill out paperwork including legal documents such as immigration petitions. I saw how nervous they were with anything related to immigration, law enforcement and/or the courts. I saw many incidents of domestic abuse, issues related to alcohol and addiction and poverty. I knew that I wanted to help the people who felt helpless or unrepresented and give them a voice.”
After her Supreme Court election, the induction was a two-part celebration. The official announcement featured a diverse crowd, Trini cuisine, and cultural performances, blending Trinidadian and American elements. The later private celebration included live Trinidadian singers, a DJ, tassa and Indian cuisine, earning praise for its unique and flavourful experience.
[caption id="attachment_1046043" align="alignnone" width="787"] Justice Karen Gopee is a practising Hindu who has maintained her cultural traditions while living in New York. -[/caption]
Growing up in a traditional immigrant home meant Gopee’s cultural heritage plays a pivotal role in her worldview.
“My Trinidadian heritage and my West Indian identity, learned from my time in Trinidad and instilled by my Trinidadian parents, make up who I am and how I see the world. It has affected the way I live my life, the way I re
