The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training is immensely proud to
congratulate our newest Rhodes Scholar, Jervon Sands, a graduate of Saint John’s
University.
Being only the second in the University’s history, Sands’ achievement comes more than
50 years since the last scholar from Saint John’s University was awarded.
On Tuesday November 14th, 2023, Sands was selected to represent the Commonwealth
Caribbean in a presentation at the State House in Barbados by the President of Barbados,
Sandra Mason.
Today, our country is infused with a distinct sense of pride as one of our native sons
makes an indelible mark in history. Sands is an astute 2019 graduate and valedictorian
of Saint Augustine’s College in New Providence. He also matriculated through the
Bahamas Ministry of Education’s Technical Cadet Corps Programme, graduating as the
salutatorian in 2019.
Sands, 21, an applied science physics major who most recently graduated from Saint
John’s University summa cum laude, will pursue his Master of Sciences (MSc) in
Environmental Change and Management, and MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the
Environment at the University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom beginning in October
2024.
Historically, the Rhodes Scholarship is an honour bestowed only on a select group which
includes the likes of former world leaders and influencers. At such a young age, Sands
has proven himself to be an exceptional leader, outstanding academic, with esteemed character, and he is heavily endowed with the energy and zeal to commit to solving some
of humanity’s challenges.
Last year, Sands was among a group of students who travelled to the United Nations
climate conference in Egypt. This was a part of his unwavering commitment to find
solutions to the global environmental challenges. Accordingly, upon completion of his
studies, Sands intends to return to The Bahamas to aid in the promotion of climate
education.
Sands was chosen from among 10 finalists that hailed from Trinidad and Tobago,
Guyana, Antigua, Barbados and The Bahamas. As the fourth Bahamian to receive this
honour, Sands now joins Dr. Desiree Cox, Dr. Christian Campbell and Dr. Myron Rolle as
Bahamian Rhodes Scholars.
The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training again salutes this young
extraordinary Bahamian and Rhodes Scholar, Jervon Sands for his remarkable
achievements that will forever be etched in the annals of world history.
