Anguillian patriot, Mr. Joseph Nathan Hodge, of The Farrington, turned 85 on Thursday, February 11, still savouring the very warm reception and celebration he was accorded four days before. On Sunday, February 7, he was celebrated at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary’s where he is a former organist.
Known for his creative and stylish attire – on special personal occasions – he won the admiration of the congregation when he took his seat at the front of the sanctuary, among family members – his smart dress code coming into full view. He was dressed in a well-fitting dark suit with colourful ornaments down the legs of his trousers, and a sizeable and multi-coloured heart-shaped decoration – of his making – suspending from his neck to his chest with inscriptions of gratitude to anyone wishing him a happy birthday. He topped off his attire with a glamorously-adorned walking stick matching the trinkets on his trousers. The electrical-looking gadgets, he wore, caught the attention of the presiding Priest, Rev. Raliville Christian: “Are you grounded?” he jokingly asked the birthday celebrant.
Mr. Hodge played at least two of his favourite hymns – on his personal keyboard – to the accompaniment and commendation of the congregation.
At the close of the service, he was surrounded in solidarity and love by family members for a memorable photo opportunity.
“Joe” or “Structure”, as he is affectionately called, grew up in The Copse, East End. He is one of the proud past students of the historic East End Elementary School – the alma mater of many professional Anguillian men and women at home, and in the diaspora, today. A brilliant student of his time, he was among the first batch of Anguillian students to make it to the then prestigious St. Kitts-Nevis Grammar School. When he graduated, and returned to Anguilla, he taught for a number of years at The Valley Secondary School, becoming one of the first teachers there following its opening in September, 1953.
He eventually entered the public health sector and was formally trained as Anguilla’s first Medical Technologist and X-ray Technician. He worked at the Cottage Hospital and then during the formative years of the Princess Alexandra Hospital where doctors and nurses relied on his ready assistance. He walked through the hospital neatly attired in his full-length white overcoat – an example to his medical and health colleagues, as well as in recognition of the hallmark and dress code of the profession. Today, that dress code is rampant in the island’s health services – as indeed it should be.
Joe’s retirement, in the years that followed, paved the way for the training of another Anguillian, the former Minister of Health, Mr. Evans Rogers, who was later employed as the Medical Technologist at the Hospital.
Joe occupied his early retirement years by working privately as a self-taught technician – taking much interest in computers. He also developed a greater love for organ and piano music, playing with much passion and accomplishment at home and at church.
His beautiful musical performance, at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary’s, for his 85th birthday, was indicative of his love for music and musical instruments – and blended well with his special dress outfit.
As a footnote, in 2017, Joe was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen Certificate for his contribution to social development.
