A tribute to Eugene Cox

February 4, 2004

Dear Sir,

The C. Eugene Cox Memorial Fund, which will provide incentives and guidance to Bermudians to encourage the study of Mathematics, Science and Engineering gives some insight into the Hon. C. Eugene Cox, the consummate professional engineer. He started as a RN Dockyard qualified engine fitter, progressed to Belco's Generation Engineer, then to Belco's Senior Vice President and Assistant to the President, with responsibility for engineering and operations.

The establishment of a memorial programme for Bermudians in technical areas is a fitting memorial to Mr. Cox. The programme will be an enduring demonstration of his life-long passion and unceasing commitment to the training and development of Bermudians enabling them to take their place as equals in the global community of mathematics, science and engineering professionals. Mr. Cox's progression from an engine fitter to vice president of engineering of Bermuda Electric Light Company is an inspiring example of commitment, discipline, tenacity of purpose in career path progression and academic excellence.

Mr. Cox's expertise and skills were equally superior in mechanical engineering, engineering economics, budgeting, power generation operations and in management, administration and inter-personal relations. It is unlikely that Mr. Cox's vision and achievements in his career at Belco will be matched, let alone surpassed. Mr. Cox had a passionate love for and strong command of mathematics, science, the English language, engineering and technical drawing and was a stickler for precision in the use of language. He was a pioneer during his time at Belco and in Bermuda as a project manager for large diesel and gas turbine power generation systems.

The Hon. C. Eugene Cox stood equal in stature beside any international professional engineer or project manager in terms of his vision, understanding and grasp of diverse issues, and his ability to adhere to high standards and excellence in everything he did. He was an inspiring and dedicated mentor for numerous young professionals and an unceasing advocate of Bermudianisation.

Professional engineers in Bermuda and particularly those in practice between 1970-1994 who have had some contact with the Hon. C. Eugene Cox, cannot but attest to his honesty, integrity, ethics, professionalism and his receptiveness to new and diverse ideas. Mr. Cox's vision was global, but he never failed to notice and cater to the local requirements without compromising principles.

Having travelled overseas with the Hon. C. Eugene Cox on engineering business in the early 1980's, I was struck by how much he was respected as a professional engineer and as a power generation specialist. It was through Mr. Cox that others and I learned many of our mechanical skills, developed a love for and profound understanding of engineering economics, budgeting, professional ethics and engineering excellence.

Some Bermudians may know all the facts recalled above, but many Sandys Parish residents are intimately aware of them. On Saturday, 17 January 2004, we were deeply saddened, but at the same time never so proud and thankful to this wonderful native son.

We are also eternally grateful to his family for sharing him with us. This leader, extraordinary statesman and visionary, will never be replaced or forgotten.

CLYDE L. SYMONDS

Sandys Parish

One mother's plea

February 3, 2004

Dear Sir,

I am a single mother with one teenage son who has been looking for an apartment. I am currently living with three other relatives in a one-bedroom apartment. My last previous address I lived in for six years but my elderly landlord was getting up in age and needed smaller space. So at that time I decided to go in a few years when my son is finished school. My frustration is the prices for apartments what are people thinking! I was paying $650 for a one-and-one-half bedroom.

I know that I would not be paying that price now but I thought the most I would have to pay would be about $1,200 to $1,500. I have a nice job but I cannot afford to pay more than what I am stating. I need to be able to live. I called for a one-bedroom apartment a week ago and the lady bluntly told me I needed a two-bedroom. I asked her "lady how can I afford it"? I am a born Bermudian paying taxes and I cannot find a reasonable apartment in my own country. Is there anyone out there who understands my plight and can assist me?

FRUSTRATED

Warwick