Delivering a passionate speech last evening, Saturday October 29, 2011 at Free Bottom, the 6th district representative stated that when elected he has a lot of work to complete over the next four years but will have someone learn the ropes and eventually take over.

“As I phase out we will phase in another leader...but we will decide who will lead you. Representation is not a job,” he stated.

According to him, the district needs a leader who will respect his constituents and someone who is strong and can make proper representation in the House of Assembly.

“When they come before you, you will be able to examine the individual and find out where he or she stands [on issues relating to the district], what is his or her background. You want to know who you are getting married to,” Hon. Hodge noted.

Reiterating the point that non-belongers who lived here for years helped build the Virgin Islands, the district rep pointed out when the National Democratic Party (NDP) was in power those persons were in misery.

He asked supporters to recall the days when someone could have become eligible for belonger’s status only after seven years, but it was changed to 20 years under the NDP leadership.

“They went to crucify you standing up. Now we are happy people because they are now granted exemptions,” Hon. Hodge pointed out. “They get exemption from work permits until something better can be done. I am not saying that we should full up the place with people but should ensure that the ones that helped build the BVI treated better.”

The veteran politician also added that he is not afraid of the NDP, who is trying to smear his name, and urged his supporters not to let them “mix you up”.