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Construction contractor Ottley H. Hodge honoured @ Virgin Islands Pride Awards Dinner

Mr Ottley Hodge, seen here flanked by his sons Boyd and Cory, was honoured at the Virgin Islands Pride Awards Dinner and Dance Ceremony held in New York on May 17, 2026. Photo: Provided
Mr Ottley Hodge with daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Mariyah. Photo: Provided
Mr Ottley Hodge with daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Mariyah. Photo: Provided
Ottley Hodge, right, with fellow honouree Lesmore Smith. Photo: Provided
Ottley Hodge, right, with fellow honouree Lesmore Smith. Photo: Provided
For decades, Ottley Hodge, aka 'Papa Hodge', helped shape one of the world's greatest cities. His hands and leadership contributed to the construction of more than twenty significant buildings, including major high-rise developments and landmark projects that remain part of the iconic New York City skyline. Photo: Provided
For decades, Ottley Hodge, aka 'Papa Hodge', helped shape one of the world's greatest cities. His hands and leadership contributed to the construction of more than twenty significant buildings, including major high-rise developments and landmark projects that remain part of the iconic New York City skyline. Photo: Provided
THE BRONX, New York, USA- For decades, Ottley Howard Hodge, aka 'Papa Hodge', helped shape one of the world's greatest cities. His hands and leadership contributed to the construction of more than twenty significant buildings, including major high-rise developments and landmark projects that remain part of the iconic New York City skyline.

Few stories capture the spirit of determination, excellence, and service to others as profoundly as that of Hodge, a proud son of the British Virgin Islands whose remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a highly respected Manhattan construction contractor represents a legacy of perseverance, leadership, and achievement.

Mr Hodge was honoured at the Virgin Islands Pride Awards Dinner and Dance Ceremony held in New York on May 17, 2026. The prestigious event was presented by Dr Muriel Shulterbrandt Williams, Founder and Director of MSW and Company and Grapeseed Business and Educational Consulting, in recognition of Virgin Islanders whose outstanding contributions have positively impacted their communities and beyond.

'Papa Hodge'

Within the construction industry, Hodge became affectionately known as 'Papa Hodge'—a name given because he brought his 3 sons on the job and showed no preference as he managed with integrity, craftsmanship, fairness, and compassion. While his professional accomplishments are impressive, his greatest achievement has been his unwavering commitment to people. He opened doors for countless fellow Virgin Islanders, Caribbean nationals, and minority workers by providing employment opportunities, offering mentorship, and advocating for fairness and respect within the construction industry and labour unions.

His exceptional career brought him into the presence of some of New York City’s most influential leaders. Through building completion ceremonies and historic topping-out events, he met former New York City Mayors David Dinkins, Ed Koch, and Michael Bloomberg, who recognised the invaluable role of dedicated builders like Ottley “Papa” Hodge in transforming and strengthening the city.

Today, his legacy stands not only in steel, concrete, and the towering structures that grace Manhattan’s skyline, but also in the countless lives he has influenced, the careers he has helped build, and the opportunities he created for generations of workers who followed in his footsteps.

VICA congratulates 'Papa Hodge'

The Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA) has proudly extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Hodge on his recognition.

"The Virgin Islands Communal Association and the people of the British Virgin Islands proudly salute Ottley “Papa” Hodge for this extraordinary honour. His life’s journey is a shining testament to the enduring values of hard work, humility, vision, and a deep love for community.

"As a further tribute to his extraordinary contributions, the remarkable story of Ottley “Papa” Hodge—respected contractor, mentor, leader, and proud Virgin Islander—will soon be chronicled in an upcoming publication by Melissa Potter, President of VICA and her team, entitled The Ottley “Papa Hodge” Story – Our Star Manhattan Contractor," VICA stated.

According to VICA, through his achievements and the lives he has touched, Ottley Hodge has proven that the legacy of a small-virgin island son can rise to extraordinary heights and leave an indelible mark on one of the greatest cities in the world.

9 Responses to “Construction contractor Ottley H. Hodge honoured @ Virgin Islands Pride Awards Dinner ”

  • jack (10/06/2026, 17:42) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congratulations
  • Awesome (10/06/2026, 19:35) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well done Sir
  • Rubber Duck (10/06/2026, 22:08) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Our people are moving on up
  • guy hill (11/06/2026, 00:40) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Much congratulations Native Son. Be Brave.
  • Long Trench (11/06/2026, 04:45) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Really? Who builds a Studio Apt in a Garden in a mosquito filled swamp? Then builds a Storage Room on top of that Studio Apt. to rent. No wonder we got flooded out and almost drowned whilst sleeping during the middle of the night...but for the grace & mercies of God.
    • Ha Ha (11/06/2026, 11:36) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply

      The question is, who was foolish enough to rent that studio? Seems like the joke is on you.
      • @HA HA (13/06/2026, 04:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You do realise how stupid ypu sound, right? How many times has an Apt or space been rented to someone without being given the proper information or shown the full scope of whats going on with it? When you about to rent do you walk with your Contractor to check the roof and foundation of the House, Apartment or Office space? You do know that the Landlord can backfill the land or fill in a pond and you are only made aware of it after heavy rainfall. Sometimes people build a two storey apt bldg intending to go up another floor when they get enough funds to do so. However, the top portion is left unfinished for many years then once they decide to complete it, they do so cheapily. Instead of making sure the cracks in the concrete are sealed they just put the other room on top not thinking about the tenants on the bottom floors. Then it rains and for those tenants at the bottom, it pours. So, the joke wasn't om me nor them because he had to pay for everything that got wet and destroyed and we still ended up not paying rent because that place was no longer liveable. We ended up leaving and he was forced to fix everything. Btw, its not a joke renting an Apt, House or an Office, giving the impression that everything is in order but this is the Virgin Islands (UK) and most of y'all love making money on the backs of the hard working people who live and work here. You are one of Tola's slum Landlords thats why you find our previous living arrangement to be comedic relief. God isn't asleep and He doesn't play about His Children. So carry on with your dirty tricks and trying to look down on others. Karma will soon be meted out to you and your kind. Bless day to you.
  • ... (11/06/2026, 10:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    vino i love how you up lift our people all over


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