Belco is honouring the contributions of “outstanding Black leader” Eugene Cox in celebration of Black History Month.

The company said that despite many challenges, Mr Cox “went on to change not just Belco but Bermuda”.

He was hired by the utility in 1962 as a technical assistant in the engineering department. At that time, the company was segregated, reflecting the wider Bermuda community.

Belco said: “Mr Cox took a risk by entering politics while still employed at Belco but overcame the threats to his professional and personal aspirations, and later became Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance for the Progressive Labour Party following their historic 1998 election victory.”

In 2003, Mr Cox was recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List and appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In granting the appointment, it was recognised that he had: “brought a brilliant mind, proven executive ability and commitment to service to his varied professional, political and communal affairs”.

To celebrate his remarkable achievements after his death in 2004, Belco renamed the company’s Operations Centre the "C Eugene Cox Operations Centre" in his memory.

The $25,0000 C Eugene Cox Engineering Scholarship was established and is awarded to qualified Bermudians studying for a postgraduate degree in any engineering field relevant to Belco's operations.

Wayne Caines, the president of Belco, said: “In recognition of Black History Month, Belco honours the contribution of countless Black Bermudians who, over more than a century, built this company into what it is today.

“Much has changed over the last 117 years. Our company has evolved and embraced diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We celebrate the Black Bermudians who have contributed so much not only to Belco but to Bermuda society through their work, mentoring, community and political involvement, and commitment to a fairer and more just Bermuda.”