News Americas, New York, NY, November 16, 2024: Three outstanding Caribbean-born students have been named 2025 Rhodes Scholars, joining a prestigious group recognized for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to making a difference. The students, originally from Saint Lucia, Bermuda and Jamaica, will head to the University of Oxford in October 2025 to pursue postgraduate studies fully funded by Rhodes Scholarships, one of the most coveted academic awards in the world.
2025 Caribbean Rhodes Scholars
1. Rehym Augustin-Joseph, Saint Lucia
Rehym Augustin-Joseph, a political science and law student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill campus, expressed immense pride in receiving the Rhodes Scholarship. He plans to attend postgraduate law studies at Oxford University.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to add value as part of the academic journey and give back to the region,” Augustin-Joseph said.
The Saint Lucian scholar has excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian in 2023 with first class honors and a 3.80 grade point average. His awards include the Best Political Science Student and Academic Excellence awards, along with leadership roles as President of UWISTAT and contributions to the Caribbean Court of Justice Mooting Competition, where he was named Best Oralist. He is also a Garvey-Nkrumah Fellow, a summer leadership and professional development initiative founded by Professor Howard and attorney John Woods, Jr., designed to train aspiring lawyers of African descent.
Passionate about regional development, Augustin-Joseph noted: “Most of the issues we face at the national level are replicated across the region. Whether it’s crime, violence, income inequality or deepening democracy, my goal is to address these shared challenges.”
2. Jayden Parker, Bermuda
Bermuda-born Jayden Parker, a graduate of Biomedical Sciences from the University of Guelph, is passionate about biodiversity, animal welfare and environmental conservation. He has worked extensively in the care of exotic and marine animals, including rehabilitation projects in the Galapagos Islands and Borneo.
Parker will study Biodiversity, Nature Conservation and Restoration at Oxford. Reflecting on his journey, Parker said his work has prepared him for this opportunity to address critical global environmental challenges.
3. Aundrene Cameron, Jamaica
Aundrene Cameron, a former Jamaican Festival Queen and Governor General’s Achievement Award winner, is preparing to pursue a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master of Philosophy in Law at Oxford. Cameron’s focus is on combating human trafficking and gender-based violence.
Growing up in Spain Town, a community with a reputation for high levels of trafficking and violence, Cameron was inspired to act. her project, “Girls Who Fight Back” equip young women with self-defense skills and awareness of dangerous situations. “I want to create a safer Jamaica for women and girls,” she said, outlining her vision to transform the initiative into a non-profit organization.
About the Rhodes Exchange
The Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most prestigious academic awards in the world, was established by the will of Cecil John Rhodes, a controversial colonialist, mining magnate and former Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, (1890–1896). Rhodes, important in the founding of the British South Africa Company and in the colonization of southern Africa, saw the territory of Rhodesia, (Zimbabwe and modern Zambia), named after him.
Born in England in 1853, Rhodes moved to South Africa as a teenager to improve his health. Entering the diamond trade, he founded De Beers in 1888, gaining a near-monopoly on the global diamond market. As Prime Minister, Rhodes implemented policies such as the Glen Gray Act, expropriating land from black Africans, and the Franchise and Voting Act, disenfranchising black voters.
Rhodes resigned in 1896 after Jameson’s failed raid on the Transvaal and died in 1902. His will funded the Rhodes Scholarship, which provides fully funded postgraduate studies at Oxford University. Notable recipients include US President Bill Clinton and other global leaders.
Today, Rhodes’ legacy is hotly debated, with movements such as Rhodes Must Fall criticizing his colonial policies, including land confiscation and claims that undermine African heritage. While scholarship continues to shape future leaders, it remains tied to a divisive history of colonialism and exploitation.
The 2025 selection process saw almost 3,000 students apply, with only 238 finalists interviewed by independent committees.
These three Caribbean scholars join a legacy of leaders making impactful contributions around the world. Their achievements not only highlight the region’s talent, but also highlight the transformative opportunities offered by the Rhodes Scholarship.
