Omar W. Hodge undergoes surgery in Florida
The nature of his medical surgery has not been released to the public, but persons close to the situation told this news site that the former Minister is out of the hospital and recovering well in Florida and is expected to experience a full and stable recovery.
It remains unclear when the former politician affectionately known as the “People’s man” will return to the Virgin Islands (VI).
Mr. Hodge suffered a major loss in the 2011 VI General Elections after serving in Parliament for 32 years (1979-2011). Hodge, a Virgin Islands Party (VIP) candidate, was defeated for another term by new comer under the National Democratic Party banner Alvera Maduro-Caines; 612 or 61.4 % in convincing fashion to Hodge’s 385 or 38.6 % of votes cast, the biggest up-set of last year’s elections.
Hodge’s Political Career
The former legislator Omar Wallace Hodge is the seventh of seven children. He was born on February 2, 1942 to Lucy Ann Augusta-Maduro of Baughers Bay and Amos Hodge of Free Bottom, Tortola and received his education in the Virgin Islands and later worked at the Department of Agriculture.
His love for the land has influenced many of the bold decisions which he made during his political career. Mr. Hodge has had a varied and challenging career as a businessman which has included restaurant and supermarket ownership, landscaping and real estate development.
During his political career he was credited with bringing an end to the one hundred and twenty eight year old issue of the Anegada lands disputes. As the then Minister for Natural Resources Hodge, he had appointed the Anegada Lands Commission, which with his support and the people’s trust, had been able to bring about an agreeable settlement. He along with his appointed ad hoc advisory committee were also able to accomplish similar goals regarding Horse Path property in making it available to local residents.
Omar Hodge had championed the expatriate’s right to the comfort and peace of mind of Belonger status, after they have worked and lived in the Virgin Islands for many years. He has spoken out against them being sexually harassed while trying to obtain a work permit and also pregnant expatriate women being sent out of the country to bear their children.
He is also best known for breaking the mace during the 10th Sitting of the Legislative Council. Some has regarded this as his clearly demonstrated zeal and uncompromising attitude towards his quest for justice, the right to speak out for good and the right to live.
Days after he and his VIP lost the 2011 elections, Mr. Hodge told Virgin Islands News Online that he will retire from active politics, but will set up a foundation to still offer help to the needy.
The Staff, Management and Board of Directors of Virgin Islands News Online wish Mr. Hodge a speedy recovery.
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