Vernon Hodge
The 1967 Anguilla Revolution, which eventually led to the formal separation of the island from St. Kitts-Nevis, was again highlighted when another of the foot soldiers, Mr. Vernon Ruan Hodge, of Island Harbour, was accorded a National Funeral.
Dubbed “A Celebration of Life”, the funeral was held at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, East End, on Saturday, January 12, following which the interment was at the Sandy Hill Cemetery. Born on December 21, 1947, the freedom fighter died on December 26, 2018.
The passing of the humble, but fiercely patriotic, Anguillian was marked by the flying at half-mast of the National Flag of Anguilla; the draping of the casket with the National Flag; the bearing of the casket by a Police Guard of Honour; a procession by the Police/Community Band; and a gun salute at the graveside by a Police firing party.
The above arrangements were a tribute to him, by the Government of Anguilla, executed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Royal Anguilla Police Force. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, assisted by a team, supervised the National Funeral, paying much attention to detail and the comfort and seating of family and friends.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, said at the Church that the official funeral arrangements were a collective demonstration of national respect accorded to the deceased, which she hoped would bring much comfort to his grieving family.
She further stated: “On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, as well as on my own behalf, I join in expressing condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr. Vernon Hodge. He was one of the foot soldiers of the Anguilla Revolution, working closely with Revolutionary Leader, Mr. Ronald Webster, and other freedom fighters in 1967. He continued his fierce patriotism over the years to ensure the success of the Revolution.
“The late Vernon Hodge was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour, and the Queen’s Certificate, in 2008, for his outstanding contribution to the Anguilla Revolution. Anguilla owes the late Mr. Hodge, and all those great freedom fighters, many of whom have also passed on, a debt of gratitude for their bravery and unflinching resolve in those dark and uncertain days. It is undeniable that our nationals in those early days have brought a better way of life for us more than fifty years hence. As a people, we ought to be eternally grateful. We can never repay Mr. Hodge for his selfless service and the sacrifices he made to ensure our freedom from an oppressive regime…”
The Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Palmovan Webster, recalled that the late freedom fighter was a member of her District 1 constituency. She extended condolences to his family, and the residents, and was grateful to them for caring about the future of Anguilla. She remembered that Vernon Hodge was one of many Anguillians who worked in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, during the late 60s and early 70s. She was pleased that Mr. Ronald Webster had recognized him for his role as an ambassador for Anguilla, having secured much support for the island at a time of hardship. The Opposition Leader recalled that, as a platform speaker, during election campaigns, the freedom fighter was known for his patriotic statements and poetic language.
One of his remarks she quoted was: “It is time to tell our people the truth. It is not the days of humpty dumpty. It is the real thing. It is not the days when the cow jumped over the moon; and the little dog laughed to see so much fun. It is the real thing.” She stressed that he believed in opportunities for Anguillians in development and education, and for leaders to demonstrate honesty, integrity and dedication. “He was a very proud and private person, and always extended himself without asking anything in return from others,” she added.
Other officials at the National Funeral were Governor Tim Foy, OBE, his wife, Dr. Dina Foy, and the Acting Chief Minister, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers.
Officiating at the funeral was Lay Reader, Mr. Chrispen Gumbs, assisted by Mr. Ambrose Harrigan. Mr. Gumbs spoke on behalf of Bishop Errol Brooks who was off island and on whose behalf, and his, he offered condolences to Mr. Hodge’s family. His sermon was based on the need for persons to give of their best regardless of their situation, the difficult times facing the island, including the loss of loved ones, the need for hope, among other social matters.
The organist was Mr. Devaunie Richardson, a well-know Methodist musician and a member of the National Jubilee Choir whose accomplished director is another Methodist, Ms. Lois Hazell.
