Biography
Rahym Ron Augustin-Joseph is a final-year Bachelor of Laws student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus. He recently graduated from UWI with First Class Honours in Political Science and Law, where he was selected as the Valedictorian of the Graduating Class of 2023. This remarkable achievement mirrored his earlier accomplishment of serving as Valedictorian for the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Graduating Class of 2019. In November 2024, Rahym was named the Rhodes Scholar for the Commonwealth Caribbean, where he will pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, and plans to deepen his expertise in law and politics. Upon graduating the UWI Cave Hill Campus, Rahym received the George Belle Plaque for Excellence in Political Science and the C. Justin Robinson Prize for his outstanding contributions to campus life, country, and the Caribbean community. Rahym’s leadership roles have been diverse and impactful. He served as a member of the Guild of Students Council, President of the UWI Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Vice-Chancellor's Ambassador Corps, Tournament Director for the UWI Debating Society, and Chairperson of the Political Science Students Association. Recently, he was appointed Coach of the UWI Cave Hill Postgraduate Debate Team, showcasing his dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders. A distinguished public speaker, Rahym has been recognized nationally and regionally for his oratory skills. He was named Overall Best Speaker at the Windward Islands Debating Competition for two consecutive years and received the Best Oralist Award at the Annual Caribbean Court of Justice International Moot Competition. His advocacy has taken him to international stages, including the Harvard Model United Nations, the John Jackson Moot Competition in Colombia, and the Model OAS General Assemblies. In 2022, he became one of the youngest election observers for the Organisation of American States during the Grenada elections. Rahym’s contributions extend beyond debates and competitions. He has represented Saint Lucia at global forums such as the UNESCO Youth Forum, the CARICOM Youth Summit, and the Caribbean Youth Leaders Summit, amplifying the voices of young people in multilateral spaces. His keynote addresses have inspired audiences at graduations and conferences both locally and internationally. In 2023, Rahym joined a select cohort of law students in the Garvey-Nkrumah Scholarship Program, a global initiative designed to empower aspiring lawyers of African descent in underrepresented areas of law. Rahym's national contributions are equally noteworthy. He has served as Programme Director of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council, Chairperson of the National Youth Parliament, and a youth representative on the National Reparations Commission. He also authored over 30 newspaper articles in publications such as the Saint Lucia Star and Barbados Today, addressing topics of regional politics, history, and socio-economic development. Currently, Rahym hosts the UWI TV program Generation Nexx, where he highlights youth success stories in the Caribbean. With aspirations of becoming an attorney-at-law, Rahym is deeply passionate about the intersection of law and politics and their potential to transform Caribbean societies.
