An English/Spanish-speaking Anguillian, relaxing in an easy chair at his Long Ground residence, remarked: “I would like for my children and their children to live for 99 years as I have done at present.”
Mr Nadol Nathaniel Hodge, the tall, lanky and witty gentleman, scored 99 years on Tuesday, May 13 – an occasion celebrated by his family. He credited his longevity to living a good life and having caring family members at his side.
Mr Hodge was born at Sandy Hill, Anguilla. Apart from having lost his sight, he is a very upbeat and jovial person. He left the island at the age of 12 for Santo Domingo where he established a family. He returned home many years later and then began a series of periodic travel and residence between the two territories.
Married to his late wife, he fathered nine children (four boys and five girls), eight of whom are alive: four in Santo Domingo and the other four in Anguilla. One daughter works in the Food and Nutrition Department at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and another daughter in the Food and Beverage Department at CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. He also has most of his grand and great grandchildren in Anguilla attending school.
“It is a very happy occasion for all of us”, Primitiva Hodge, his daughter, who works at the hospital, commented.
The birthday celebration included a short service conducted, by Rev Menes Hodge of the Anglican Church, at one of the family’s residences at Long Ground. The Minister commented: “It pleases God to grant some of us more than what we are due. Ninety-nine years of age is complimentary, and I pray that Nadol will continue to live for many more as the Lord wills.”
