During its annual Graduate Recognition Ceremony, on January 28, 2021, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Anguilla presented the Pelican Award to Mr. Nat Hodge, MBE, Anguilla’s most senior and seasoned journalist, and Owner/Proprietor of the island’s lone newspaper, The Anguillian. The Pelican Award is given to a UWI Alumnus who has excelled in his chosen field and has had major positive national, regional or international impact, or who has contributed significantly to the development of the University, or has made an outstanding contribution to any of the UWI contributing countries of the Caribbean Region.
After graduating from The Valley Secondary School in 1962, Mr. Hodge furthered his studies at the Extra Mural Department of the University of The West Indies in St. Kitts. His career in journalism began in 1963 and continues to today.
During the ceremony, the citation was read by Ms. Farrah Banks, a former colleague and mentee of Mr. Hodge. It reads in part:
Mr. Nat Hodge has over fifty years in the field of journalism. All of his working life he has been involved in this field and has made a name for himself in this arena, not only for his initiative, his work ethic and his keen business sense, but more important for his love of the people, his willingness to see them grow and develop, his unselfish nature to always give more than he takes. In his line of work and in his life, he has always exhibited compassion and never found himself getting lost in stories more than in people. He is a true humanitarian. He has always encouraged and exemplified the virtue of good citizenship, has touched and enriched the lives of others selflessly, particularly those who are vulnerable or less able to help themselves. He has shown on-going initiative, leadership and dedication; devoted himself to sustained and selfless service. He has earned the respect of his peers and is a role model in his field. Those he trained and worked with can offer testimony to these things. In recognition of his outstanding work in the field of journalism for more than half a century, his dedication, his continued love for country and national development, Mr. Nat Hodge, MBE, is being presented with The University of the West Indies Open Campus Anguilla 2020 Pelican Award.
Mr. Nat Hodge,MBE, Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake & Ms. Patricia Bryan
The Manager and Staff of the UWI Open Campus Anguilla made the decision to honour Mr. Hodge as he not only meets the criteria, but he is a staunch supporter of the Open Campus Anguilla and all of its initiatives. He continues to espouse the values as set out by the founders of the University. Manager of the Open Campus Overseas Territories, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, stated: “Too often we take for granted people’s contribution to our overall growth and development. Too often we forget to extend our gratitude, not that we are not grateful but in the constant hustle and bustle it slips by the wayside. Consequently, we deemed it appropriate to honour a man who never seeks accolades but who gives so much. We are truly grateful he is on our team of well-wishers and supporters. He is not a man who likes attention, yet he commands such attention and respect.”
The UWI Open Campus Anguilla 2020 Pelican Award was presented by Ms. Esther Ward, a 2020 Graduate of the UWI Open Campus Anguilla, and the Senior Layout and Design Officer of The Anguillian newspaper.
– Press Release
