Omar Hodge was a true patriot – Pickering

Acting Premier, Dr Kedrick Pickering has described the late Hon. Omar Wallace Hodge as a true patriot who earned the love and admiration of everyone during the many decades he spent in politics.

Hodge, a former legislator passed away on December 20. He had suffered a stroke weeks prior to his death.

He was a member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and served in local politics for over three decades.

In a statement paying tribute to the late Hodge, Pickering further stated that he was saddened to learn of the passing of the former Minister for Natural Resources and Labour.

“On behalf of my family and the staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources & Labour and its Departments, I offer my condolences to his immediate family,” he said.

“The Ministry, and indeed the Territory, mourn with you on the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. We also celebrate with you the life of Hon. Hodge who gave a significant portion of his life in public service to this Territory.”

Pickering said among Hodge’s many virtues was his helpful nature.

“Honourable Hodge was a man who did all he could to assist his constituents and indeed the people of the territory. While he was a politician, he was very passionate about agriculture and in many ways, he was a farmer at heart. “

He noted that Hodge’s commitment to this Territory and his constituents was manifested in him being re-elected to political office for over 30 years and was known as the ‘the people’s man’ or ‘the man for the people’.

Everyone loved him

“Because of the love and respect that everyone had for him and the fact that he was a down-to-earth individual who lends a listening ear to everyone, he attracted a wide circle of friends both locally and abroad. He went to great lengths to assist whenever and wherever he could; though sometimes he tried fitting a square peg into a round hole. If he was unable to solve a problem it could not be said that he did not try.”

Pickering said the late legislator will be remembered as a well-groomed and dignified person who laughed heartily when given a good joke; never outwardly wore stress on his lapel; a man who loved all people and one who served his country and his people to the best of his ability.

“A true patriot, a soldier who fought a good fight. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he concluded.