Former Premier Jennifer Smith yesterday paid an emotional tribute to Eugene Cox, saying ?he has been everything to me?.

She said she could not imagine a time without the man who had been her Deputy Premier, close advisor and Finance Minister during the historic first Progressive Labour Party Government.

And she revealed she proposed Mr. Cox, who was given a CBE in the New Year?s Honours List, for a knighthood.

?This is a very sad moment for me because unfortunately I have had to say goodbye to far too many good friends and colleagues,? she told .

?It is difficult for me to find the words to pay to Mr. Cox for the contribution he has made. While I was pleased he was awarded a CBE in the last Honours List, I put him forward for a knighthood.

?I don?t think that was reaching too far for the contribution and service he has given to the community, not just as a politician, but as a businessperson, for the sacrifices he has made.

?He has been everything to me ? my right hand, my deputy, my Finance Minister, a job I have to say he did par excellence.

?He was a man of integrity and I certainly am aware of speculation taking place (about his successor) ? at the wrong time, it is far too early ? and his shoes will be very difficult to fill.

?He brought to the political structure integrity and honesty. He was known also as one who brought his knowledge and skill, but he also brought a team.

?You also got Mrs. Cox, his children, and the full weight of the Cox family that worked together.

?I often said that were he not doing the work he were doing, he would be a prime candidate to lead a symposium on how to bring up a family.

?He certainly demonstrated with the output of his children and the rest of his family, not just to the party and to the community, his belief you have to give something back.

?I don?t pretend to know how the family are feeling, but I know how the Progressive Labour Party is feeling. We have lost a pillar of the party, someone who has served when we needed for a very long time.

?I don?t think I can imagine a time without him. He has a strong religious family and I know they will soldier on, though their grief will continue, to contribute and make their mark.

?It is a great loss, not just on a personal level, but on a national level.?