The Tribune

SENIOR government officials paid tribute yesterday to Sandra Edgecombe, the Deputy Director of Education for Grand Bahama, who has died suddenly.

A lifelong educator, Mrs Edgecombe was known for her work at the Eight Mile Rock High School, where she earned the title of “Mother Blue Jay”, according to Grand Bahama Minister, Dr Michael Darville. He described the veteran educator as “truly a beacon and an educational icon in the Grand Bahamian community”.

Mrs Edgecombe entered the public service in 1974 and transferred to the Grand Bahama District in 1978, where her career in education began at Eight Mile Rock High School. She ascended from trainee teacher to trained teacher to principal and reached the pinnacle of her career in 2012 when she was appointed Deputy Director of Education with responsibility for Grand Bahama, Bimini and Grand Cay.

Dr Darville said Mrs Edgecombe not only affected the lives of her students, but brought about positive changes within the Eight Mile Rock community. “She was instrumental in implementing various programmes in the areas of academics, sports and culture. Her programmes of change resulted in a school which gained respect and admiration from many citizens on Grand Bahama. As a result of her efforts at the Eight Mile Rock High School, I am told that she earned the title of “Mother Bluejay”.

After leaving the Eight Mile Rock High School in 2005, he said Mrs Edgecombe’s career had blossomed. “It is my understanding that Mrs Edgecombe’s philosophy was ‘to teach is to touch a life forever’, which has been the driving force behind her goals and success over the years.”

Obie Wilchcombe, the West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP, said Mrs Edgecombe was “the pre-eminent Blue Jay” who brought a strong voice and a clear message. “She made real the hopes and dreams of thousands,” he said. “She admonished, encouraged and nurtured young men and young women to become citizens of purpose and commitment.

“Her life was dedicated to the education of the nation’s youth. She embodied the ideals of the great educators who believe that education is the passage to true freedom in the journey to a higher quality of life and living. Along life’s journey she impacted the lives of thousands in whom she emptied her heart and soul of love and knowledge.

“When tragedy struck she shared the pain of the parents; when the children cried, she cried; and when they celebrated she led the parade. She was always there, each and every day and with each and every step. Her voice was strong and her message was clear. It was a message of hope reminding our youth to embrace the opportunity of education and to fly high.”

Fred Mitchell, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the news of Mrs Edgecombe’s death was “shocking” and “hard to absorb”.

“She was a friend and a traveller in the journey of the progressive movement,” he said. “She brought her love of life and of The Bahamas and its people to all that she did. She was the daughter-in-law of my late mentor in Parliament, Frank Edgecombe. I worked with her on policy issues even when I served in Opposition and gained great respect for her talents and her even handedness.”

Mrs Edgecombe leaves a husband, Godfrey, and son, Garris.