After 32 years, Hodge retires from politics!
Hodge confirmed his retirement from politics to Virgin Islands News Online after being defeated at the polls by Alvera Maduro-Caines, who received 612 votes with Hodge only accumulating 385. Mrs. Maduro-Caines of the new Government of the National Democratic Party (NDP) has become the new representative of the 6th Electoral District which Hodge has been representing since 1979.
Hodge, the former Minister for Natural Resources and Labour under the ousted Virgin Islands Party Government, suffered defeated along with his party at the November 7, 2011 polls in a 9-4 victory for the NDP.In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online the stalwart politician said he has a lot of “personal stuff” to do with his family and will now focus along that line.
Hodge, who had earned the title “The People’s Man” disclosed that he will be setting up the Omar Hodge Foundation, which will be used to assist young people in need.
He said he has been helping people long before he was in politics and plans to continue to do so.
In a statement issued to this news agency, Mr. Hodge thanked the people of his district for allowing him to represent them over the years.
“I take this opportunity to thank all the people of this territory in particular those of the Sixth Electoral District for the honor and privileged of serving them for a joyous 32 years. I thank you for entrusting me with your seat both in the Legislative Council and 1st House of Assembly since 1979,” his statement read.
He also offered congratulations to the new district representative Mrs. Maduro-Caines and the new Government. “I congratulate Mrs. Alvera Maduro-Caines on her victory and wish her success in serving my dear people of the Sixth Electoral District. I also congratulate the incoming government and wish them success in these trying times.”
Mr. 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 in 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 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 people.
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 their 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.
His breaking the mace during the 10th Sitting of the Legislative Council clearly demonstrated his zeal and uncompromising attitude towards his quest for justice, the right to speak out for good and the right to live. Hodge served from 1979 to 2011 some 32 years.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Follow Us On
32 Responses to “After 32 years, Hodge retires from politics! ”