the Anglican Diocese Finance Committee and Anglican Central Education Authority. He served as the Chairman of the Anglican Diocese ’ s Pension Board of Trustees and was a member of the larger Board of Directors. The Central Animal Hospital (established in 1989) was dedicated to Illustrious Sands and his wife, Bobbie, in 1992. The veterinary clinic is owned and operated by his son Dr. Basil G. L. Sands. He served as Treasurer of the Bahamas Council on Alcoholism—a position he held from the Council ’ s inception until his passing.
“ For services to accountancy, the Anglican Church, and the field of diplomacy. ” Honored as the Accountant of the Year for 2000 by BICA, he was also honored with a lifetime achievement award for being the Founding President at their 40th anniversary gala in June 2011. In June 2013 he was recognized as one of the “40 Fathers ” to coincide with the 40th anniversary of independence. This award “... highlight fatherhood in The Bahamas by honoring successful fathers who come from islands around the country. ”
Illustrious Married Roberta W. “ Bobbie ” Turnquest in February 1953. They were the proud parents of five (5) children: Robert D.L. “ Sandy ”; Diane; Basil G.L. “ Basie ”; Renee; and Duane E.L. “ Ernie ”. He was also the grandfather of 19 and great- grandfather of 4. Sands That lengthy listing of Illustrious Sands ’ accomplishments in the business world is equally matched by the mark he made in masonic circles as well. Illustrious Sands joined Royal Eagle Lodge No. 1 (the first Prince Hall Lodge in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas) in September 1959. He served as Worshipful Master in 1967. In 1996, he was accorded the title of Honorary Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. He also served as the Chairman of the Prince Hall Family Co-operative Credit Union for a number of years. He was an early member of Samuel N. Smith Chapter No. 1, Royal Arch Masons, and of Robert Nathaniel Sawyer Commandery of Knights Templar. In 1962, he became a Frater of Bahamas Consistory No. 73, the first Prince Hall consistorial body in the Bahama Islands (the name was later changed to James E. Morley Consistory No. 73). He served as its
Service across the strata of the civic and business worlds has afforded Illustrious Sands the opportunity of being honored by multiple entities on multiple levels
on multiple occasions. In mid-1982 he was appointed by the Japanese government as Honorary Consul of Japan to the Bahamas to serve for a 5-year renewable term. He served in that position for 26 years. During his tenure he was awarded Japan ’ s “ Order of the Sacred Treasure ” in 1993. Other honors bestowed are the Meritorious Service Award from the Bahamas Council on Alcoholism (1998) and the Meritorious Service Award from the Bahamas Golf Federation. In 2007, Illustrious
In August 2015, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio ’ s Medal of Excellence was bestowed upon Illustrious Sands, by S.G.I.G. Carl A. Williams 33° (then serving as the 62nd Most Worshipful Grand Master). This award was in recognition of his attendance and his longstanding friendship with Ohio. While Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama ’ s Grand Session in July 2016, Illustrious Sands was visiting the bestowed the honor of Honorary Admiral of the State of Alabama from the Governor by way of Most Worshipful Grand Master Corey D. Hawkins Sr. In addition, Illustrious Sands was an honorary member of many Prince Hall jurisdictions.
Sands was awarded the Companion of the Most Excellent Order of St. Michael & St. George (CMG) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
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The Fall Bulletin
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