Before he entered politics, Eugene Cox was already a dedicated public servant ? to Sandys Secondary Middle School.

On Friday, following news of Mr. Cox?s passing, staff and trustees of the West End school paid tribute to Mr. Cox?s 35 years as a trustee and chairman of the aided school.

Sandys Secondary School principal Melvyn Bassett said Mr. Cox had served with distinction as chairman of the school board for around 35 years.

?There is a lot I can say but what comes to mind immediately over the 22 years I have worked with him, under him and along with him is that he is one of the few people I know with that kind of integrity.

?He exercises great integrity and has made a tremendous contribution as chairman of the school.

?Over the years he has taken Sandys from almost a small school house to a sprawling campus under his leadership, particularly in developing the physical plant.

?It was under his courageous leadership the board went out and bought the property adjacent to the school on little or no money and limited resources. He took a gamble that has paid off tremendously.?

He said Mr. Cox, who stepped down as chairman but remained on the board, had always managed his twin roles in Government and with the school without any conflict of interest.

Former PLP Senator and fellow Sandys trustee Ira P. Philip said: ?During his 40 plus years on the Board of Governors of Sandys Secondary School, he was until recent years its chairman, and I his deputy.

?When he did not seek re-election as chairman, he was given emeritus status and we both remained on the board. He provided the highly skilled leadership resulting into the impressive complex Sandys Secondary Middle School has developed into.?

Sandys Secondary Middle School board of governors chairman Khamisi Tokunbo said everyone associated with the school would miss Mr. Cox.

He said: ?Mr. Cox was on of our most distinguished, dedicated and longest serving board members, who, until his death, continued to be an active member of the board.?