Family and friends are finally ending the extended 80th Birthday Celebrations of Mrs. Olive Hodge, Anguillian matriarch and National Heroine. Mrs. Hodge is the last remaining sibling of 8, which included the Honourable James Ronald Webster, Father of the Nation, as well as Hubert, Edith, Edris, Elaine, Ursula, and Florel (Sweety – also a National Heroine). She is the mother of six: Kennedy, Gareth, Ethne, Timothy, Benny and Diane. She was celebrated by a large number of nephews and nieces and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as her own children, grandchildren and a blossoming list of great grandchildren.
In spite of her stated desire to not have a big celebration, plans for a birthday celebration proceeded apace, at different levels, across generations – on WhattsApp and in meetings, and in different countries. Her grandchildren let it be known in no uncertain terms, that they were in control of the process, although there were secret references to their parents for advice and sometimes peacemaking. The whole came together wonderfully in an expression of love and celebration that encompassed an unforgettable week and a half of parties, two church services, a formal dinner at Palm Grove, bonfire, games evenings, barbecues and even the christening of a great grandchild! Family members descended on Anguilla from the UK, Canada, the USA and the Virgin Islands, and friends made special efforts to join in the celebration. The exercise of coordinating dates, venues, flights, accommodations, t-shirt selections, caterers, etc., etc., and carrying it off without a hitch, was surely a demonstration of family togetherness, and of the high esteem in which Mrs. Hodge (Mummy, Tantie, Auntie Olive, Grandma, GGM) is held by all. The importance of family was a recurring theme in the songs sung, and in the sermons preached at the Church services at St Augustine’s Anglican Church on March 9th (her birthday) by Bishop L. Errol Brooks, and on the following morning at HillTop Baptist Church by her son, Pastor Gareth Hodge.
Mrs. Hodge, the Managing Director of the Anguilla Drugstore, has been awarded an MBE for Community Service by Her Majesty the Queen, and the Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate for her role in the Anguilla Revolution. The Anguillian, and the entire Anguillian community, extend congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Olive Hodge – 80 and Amazing!
