Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, on Friday during her Service of Thanksgiving, hailed Deputy Director of Education (Northern Bahamas), Mrs. Sandra Edgecombe, as a good and faithful servant who served the country well, particularly education.

The 10:00am service at First Baptist Church, attracted hundreds of mourners from all walks of life providing an atmosphere of celebration rather than sadness for the sudden passing of Mrs. Edgecombe. 

Prime Minister Christie praised the work of Mrs. Edgecombe, saying she saw children in her charge as her own, and this is a mark of excellence in the profession of a teacher. Her contribution may not reach the history books, but will live on through those lives she has touched whether it was in school, work, church or family.

Other Ministers present were the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism; the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Hon. Shane Gibson, Minister of Labour and National Insurance; the Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology; and Dr. the Hon. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama. Also present were representatives from various schools and associations on the island.

Minister Wilchcombe also praised Mrs. Edgecombe and described her as a national hero. She was, he said, a heroine of the highest order. The former educator, he said, dedicated her life to service. "If you want to see our country get better, emulate Sandra." 

Her contribution to schools, and Eight Mile Rock High in particular, is widely known, he said. She made Eight Mile Rock Blue Jays a brand and added that when ground is broken on the new school in the area, it is hoped she will be recognized.

Minister Fitzgerald said working with Mrs. Edgecombe was rewarding as she was a woman of action. She was a person who poured her soul into education for the betterment of the Grand Bahama community, and she will be missed.

Performing during the service were members of the Grand Bahama Youth Choir, a combined Grand Bahama Teachers Choir and Jay Mitchell performed a solo.

Rev. Dr. Keith Russell conducted the service and the moderator was Rev. Susan E. Moss.