‘The people telling me these fellows don’t have a heart’- Eileene L. Parsons OBE
Ms Parsons was at the time a guest of the show that was dedicated to reflecting on the life of the fallen political veteran, who was fondly known as the 'People's Man'.
Also on the panel were Leader of the Opposition and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and son of the late Hodge, Mr Jeremy W. Hodge. The host of the show was Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline.
"What I would cherish about my friend is that he was a decent person. Omar had a heart...Politicians, people keep telling me Andrew, them boy ain’t got no heart. Omar Hodge had a heart," Ms Parsons stated.
The former legislator and cultural icon related that she and Mr Hodge shared a very close friendship and he would frequently visit her at her home.
She noted too that when she was in active politics Mr Hodge was always kind to her.
According to Ms Parsons, Mr Hodge even supported her financially after she had her legs amputated.
"Lo and behold he called me and he said I have something for you and he said where could I find you....it was a cheque. Omar made certain that every month he gave me a little something," Ms Parsons disclosed.
She lamented that the Territory is worst off because Mr Hodge has passed on. "…and I don’t know if he could be replaced because I have to repeat, the people are telling me these fellows don’t have a heart, they play they don’t know when you suffering," a statement that seemed to be directed to the current members of Government.
Caring, loving, honest, firm
During the show, all the panelists shared some of their fondest experiences with Mr Hodge.
Of all the attributes given, the words caring, loving, honest and firm stood out about Mr Hodge.
All the panelists agreed that the late legislator loved people regardless of race, colour, creed or origin and he dedicated his life to making a difference in their lives.
Ms Parsons also shared that Hon Hodge was a type of friend that you could trust and not have to "look over your shoulders."
Stories were also shared about how Hon Hodge intervened to help expatriates who were being threatened with deportation or being unfairly treated at their places of work.
It was noted that Hon Hodge was a man of conviction too and was willing to "go it alone" even when he did not get the support from his colleagues.
Mr Hodge died on December 20, 2017 after a short illness.
The former legislator, who has many accomplishments for the Territory to his name, was 75 years of age at the time of his passing. The ‘People’s Man’, as he was affectionately known after some 32 years in elective office, is survived by three children and his wife Dr Miriam Rodriguez Hodge.
The body of the late Hodge is currently lying in state at the House of Assembly building in Road Town and persons have being filing in to pay their respects.
Mr Hodge will be laid to rest tomorrow January 18, 2018.
17 Responses to “‘The people telling me these fellows don’t have a heart’- Eileene L. Parsons OBE”
I have good news for them because the next General Election I will ensure that none of them gets re-elected. It is for that reason they do not visit the lower class of individuals except election time