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

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

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.