business colleagues; family; friends; and honored guests. As mentioned previously, Illustrious Sands was a scion of the financial business world and as such enjoyed the opportunity to meet and befriend the major policy makers of the country. Attesting to that fact was the attendance of the Honorable Prime Minister of the Bahamas, (SP) Perry G. Christie; the Governor-General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Matilda Pindling, GCMG; and former Deputy Prime Minister and former Governor-General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, (S.G.I.G.) Arthur Dion “ A.D ” Hanna. One of the many highlights of the banquet was the declaration of January 14 being “ Basil Sands Day ” by order of the Lieutenant Grand Commander, S.G.I.G. Melvin J. Bazemore 33°. This day was a tremendous acknowledgment of a significant son of the soil of the archipelago of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. In June 2017, during the 59th Annual Conference and 53rd Joint Session of the General Conference Grand Chapters, Holy Royal Arch Masons of the United States of America and the Bahamas, Inc., P.H.A. and the General Conference Grand Courts, Heroines of Jericho, United States of America and the Bahamas, Inc. P.H.A., held in Nassau, General Grand Conference High Priest (G.I.G.) Leslie M. Dean bestowed the title of Honorary Past General Grand High Priest upon his fellow countryman Companion Basil L. Sands. In August 2017, during the 2017 Biennial Session of the Supreme Council, 33°, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Commander Sands was elected as an Emeritus Member of Honor. In early July 2018, Illustrious Sands suffered a stroke and subsequently passed on about 2
weeks later. His contribution during 55-plus years of membership in Scottish Rite freemasonry and 40- plus years of being an Active member will not go unnoticed. His shadow looms large in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
served as the first Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Bahamas (PHA). As mentioned previously, Illustrious Sands was the father of five children of whom he was very, very proud. All three of his sons belong to the masonic order and are extremely accomplished in their chosen vocations. He was qualified at the highest levels of every endeavor in his lifetime and raised a family worthy of envy. His success not only remained with him but touched all five of his children. S.G.I.G. Robert D.L. (Delano Commander. Illustrious Sandy Sands, a member of James E. Morley Consistory No. 73 and Royal Eagle Lodge No. 1, is a hotelier with many years of experience in the industry. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs at Baha-Mar Ltd. He has had an outstanding career in the hotel industry having served as general manager of hotels in Nassau, specifically and in the Caribbean, generally. In 1993, he received the coveted Cacique “ Hotelier of the Year ” award for his outstanding contributions to the development of tourism in the Bahamas. In 1997, he was awarded the Bahamas Silver Jubilee Medal for Tourism. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bahamas Hotel and Restaurants Employer ’ s Association. Illustrious Sandy Sands is the second longest serving president of the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association. He served for a total of 6 years in three different stints. In Lascelles) “ Sandy ” Sands 33°, (Taylor/ Vandeburg Class of 1988) is an Active member of the USC NJ and served as Aide to the Sovereign Grand
A hero, statesman, and a consummate professional with unquestionable integrity was laid to rest in grand fashion befitting his iconic status. He is buried at Woodlawn Gardens. His tombstone is one of the most intricate belonging to a Sovereign Grand Commander of the USC NJ. As with all Sovereign Grand Commanders, his name is permanently reflected on a plaque as one of our immortal leaders. Even in his passing Bahamians celebrate his life. Renowned “ celebrity ” artist Jamaal Rolle produced two exquisite renditions of Illustrious Sands ’ likeness. An American artist, Travis Simpkins, produced a pencil drawing of Commander Sands as well. A common theme shared by most Sovereign Grand Commanders is the excellence they possess being exhibited in their predecessors and their progeny. Commander Sands ’ father, Ronald George, served as the longtime secretary for St. John ’ s Lodge No. 3 and his mother, Sister Nora Leonie
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The Fall Bulletin
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