The “BVI Twins” as they are popularly known, Javiola and Javier Hodge will go down in history on Sunday July 20, 2014 as they represent Anegada at this years Prince and Princess Show. Photo: Provided

The “BVI Twins” as they are popularly known, Javiola and Javier Hodge became known after being born premature at 6 months gestation weighing one pound seven ounces and one pound five ounces respectively. Photo: Provided

Today Javiola and Javier Hodge lead a normal healthy life. Photo: Provided

Mr. Reynaldo Hodge and and his children. Photo: Provided

Ms Lenia Smith was filled with lots of joyful memorable emotions as she took us a bit back down memory lane of her experience having given birth to her two precious way before they became full term gestational. Photo: Provided

An afternoon of culture and class awaits all on Sunday July 20, 2014 at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall at 3:00 p.m. Photo: Provided

This is the first year students from Anegada will be participating in the Prince and Princess activities. The “BVI Twins” as they are popularly known, Javiola F. V. and Javier S. R. Hodge became known after being born premature at 6 months gestation weighing one pound seven ounces and one pound five ounces respectively.

Their mother, Ms Lenia Smith, was filled with lots of joyful emotions as she took us down memory lane of her experience having given birth to her two precious children prematurely.

She recalled that the twin spent about four months at the Centro Medico Hospital in Puerto Rico. Upon seeing them for the first time the mother recalled being told that it was a 50/50 chance of survival but despite the amount of equipment attached to the twins, lots of prayers, specialists, nurses, doctors, church family and family members, the twin are two healthy, active and intelligent ten year old children.

“Members of the Lions Club, Rotary Clubs, Rotaract Clubs, United Gospellers, BVI church family, co-workers, Government and other individuals and organizations all chipped in to assist with the hospital bill amounting to over three hundred thousand. And today that bill has been paid off, thanks to all and the Almighty God for his kind servants,” said a thankful Ms Smith.

She recalled that Javiola at just one month old had to do a surgery to close a hole in her heart and was discharged from the hospital with oxygen and stayed on it for another three months until she decided it was time to remove it.

“Javier had to have a central line implanted in his neck to feed and give meds after not being able to find any veins,” said the mother.

The BVI twins, Javier and Javiola Hodge are contestants #3 at the 2014 Prince and Princess show. When asked why they were entered into the Prince and Princess show their mother said that she always wanted to enter them but waited for the right time and this year being the 60th Celebration of Emancipation what better time to enter and be the first students from the beautiful Island of Anegada to participate in these activities.

The twin is entering the Prince and Princess show this year without any prognosis of having a 50/50 chance at winning.

They will be creating history for their school and the Anegada community and according to their mother they are so excited that they are going to be putting their all into it. “Winning is their aim but equally they would be having a fun time having defied the odds from birth,” said Ms Smith.

Ms Smith said that for interested persons from Anegada or otherwise wishing to support the twins at this event, transportation is being arranged. “For persons wanting to attend the show from Anegada please contact Philo 442 0246 or their mother 443 2171 to have an accurate count and to make sure that it is properly organized.”