Former KGS Student Who Failed Common Entrance Twice Returns as Graduation Speaker

By S.Browne. Updated 12:38 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Former Kingstown Government School (KGS) student Cordero Jeremy A. Telesford returned to his alma mater as a featured speaker at the school’s 2026 graduation ceremony, where he delivered an address centred on faith, perseverance, and the belief that setbacks do not determine one’s destiny.

Under the theme, “Together We Stand as Winners; We Believe and Have Achieved”, Telesford departed from the traditional graduation speech format and entered the ceremony dressed in the Kingstown Government School uniform he wore as a student, complete with a school bag and lunch kit.

The gesture formed part of his reflection on the journey of a young boy who once sat in the same classrooms and dreamed about what his future might hold.

During his address, Telesford spoke about his experiences as a former student of the institution and the challenges he faced after leaving primary school, including failing the Common Entrance Examination twice and hearing discouraging comments from individuals who believed his future prospects were limited.

“Some people called me a failure. Some people said I would never amount to anything. Some people said my mother was wasting her time sending me to school,” he told the graduating class.

He encouraged students not to allow setbacks, disappointments, or the opinions of others to define their future, stressing that failure is not a final destination.

Drawing inspiration from Biblical figures including David, Moses, and Joseph, he said God often sees greatness in individuals long before they see it in themselves.

“The world may judge you by one examination, one mistake, or one setback, but God never measures your future by one moment,” he said.

Throughout the address, Telesford returned to the school’s long-standing motto, “We learn not for school, but for life”, explaining that the words, which he sang as a student from 1998 to 2004, had taken on deeper meaning as he navigated life’s challenges and opportunities.

He said that despite early academic disappointments, he remained committed to learning, personal growth, and trusting God’s plan for his life.

Telesford shared that he now holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, a Master of Science in Public Health, and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management. He added that he serves within the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health and Energy, has represented St Vincent and the Grenadines on local, regional and international platforms, serves as an adjunct lecturer in epidemiology at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College and is also a homeowner and entrepreneur.

Despite highlighting his academic and professional achievements, he stressed that his journey was not a story about personal success but rather a testimony to perseverance, faith and the importance of continuing to move forward despite life’s obstacles.

As he concluded his address, he picked up the same school bag and lunch kit he had carried onto the stage and delivered one final message to the graduating class:

“Keep walking. When life gets hard, keep walking. When people doubt you, keep walking. When you experience setbacks, keep walking.”

Telesford reminded graduates that although he could not see the opportunities, achievements, and blessings that lay ahead when he sat where they now sit, God could.

The ceremony ended with a standing ovation as he walked away from the stage, leaving graduates with a message of hope, resilience, and faith in their future.

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