Executive Director of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) Frederick Cox had a meeting planned two Saturdays ago when he checked into hospital feeling unwell, and on Saturday last he died after his health deteriorated. He was 65.
Cox was widely known for his work as a leading figure in civil society with a rich career spanning decades, and at the time of his death he held a number positions.
Cox was also a firm advocate on a string of issues including abortion, domestic violence, family values and HIV/AIDS among others.
As regards domestic violence, he was credited as one of the principal male figures to initiate a countrywide project condemning the scourge and raising awareness among the male populace.
Remembered for his untiring work at GRPA and his deep involvement in numerous projects including the Men of Purpose (MOP) organization which he founded five years ago, Cox was hailed yesterday as a man who gave of himself. Those close to him pointed out that Cox knew how to sustain things not only start them.
Cox had joined GRPA in 1993 as Executive Director and had been praised with strengthening the organization and initiating new programmes.
He was also President of MOP, President of the Brotherhood of St Andrew, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), Deputy Chair of the Country Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund, Chairperson for the National Commission on the Family, a member of the National Forum on Women and a member of the National Task Force on Domestic Violence.
Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy called Cox an asset who would be difficult to replace.
He said Cox was a very important part of the work of his ministry in terms of his pursuit of civil society participation in health.
He recalled that Cox played a central role in the ministry’s engagement with civil society.
For some ten years, he said, Cox served diligently on the MTP board ensuring that its work was carried out effectively, and also in raising much needed awareness on abortions.
“He was always available, always active, basically he understood what participation meant and he pursued it passionately. I am going to miss him dearly because of the momentous role which he played in his professional life,” the minister added.
Ramsammy said too that the late GRPA Executive Director offered critical advice to the ministry on a number of issues and that he was often consulted with because “he was always there”.
Acting President of the Board of GRPA, Andre Cush expressed shock at Cox’s passing, but remembered him as an “exceptional individual”.
He told Stabroek News that Cox was unique in terms of how well he functioned and how fervently he pursued his interests.
He called Cox a dynamic leader, someone who took his position at GRPA very seriously and strived continuously to attain the goals that were set.
“GRPA was his whole life, his whole life, and he worked tirelessly to improve it,” Cush continued.
Further, he said that Cox was genuinely interested in the welfare of other people, particularly young people. He said that Cox was trained as a teacher and a social worker, and that this showed in how he interacted and worked with others.
He said too that Cox was deeply involved in the Anglican Church where he had also assumed various roles.
Wendell George, a member of MOP, was also stunned by the loss of Cox. He said they had known each other for years but the friendship grew when he joined MOP. He spoke of Cox’s work in the organization hailing it as “truly admirable”.
George said that Cox’s work in MOP was inspiring; adding that most of his friend’s work in all areas of his life was inspiring. He said that Cox put a tremendous amount of effort into anything he set out to do.
According to him, Cox had a sympathetic ear and “was always there to listen” no matter who wanted to talk. He said that Cox would be greatly missed.
