With an accumulated 41 years in the Anguilla Public Service in teaching, community development and welfare, radio journalism and programing, Mr. Ivor Hodge’s long tenure is still not over.
He has officially retired after 21 years at Radio Anguilla – the Department of Information and Broadcasting – from where he was transferred in November 1999 and worked his way up from News Editor and Information Officer to Chief Information Officer. His first major assignment in the News and Current Affairs Division in 1999 was the coverage of the devastation caused by Hurricane Lenny. On occasions, over the years, he served as Acting Director and now, at his retirement at the age of “a young looking 60,” he is venturing into his own media business.
An outstanding photographer, with a legacy of excellent work at weddings, graduations and other special occasions, Ivor, a quiet and well-reasoned gentleman, is a noted online video producer. He recently emerged in this field during the early period of the Covid-19 lockdown in Anguilla, when he started broadcasting the services at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary. He is still continuing that work, as may be necessary, while also serving as the Bishop’s Warden. He is a well-known media and other events organiser and is a passionate, yet calm, debater.
Ivor disclosed his new plans at a farewell luncheon held for him, at Ocean Echo Restaurant on Friday, June 4, by the staff at Radio Anguilla – supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs responsible for Information and Broadcasting.
“Yes, I am now 60 years old, but I am not old,” he told his former colleagues. “I am taking my knowledge of where I came from to where I intend to go. Sometime, this year, I will be launching my new multi-media company which will involve public relations, consultancy, television and radio production and a few other things which, as time comes, you will know about. If you call on me, bear in mind that, after a certain point in time, it comes with a fee. At the moment, it is gratis – and I will still be fishing and farming.”
Ivor’s younger brother, Mr. Kenneth Hodge, the Minister of Home Affairs, and a former Director of Radio Anguilla, led the tributes. He said in part: “I don’t think he is retiring to have any rest. He is already engaged in some other activity that I am aware of – and we will soon be hearing about it. But, my brother, I want to thank you for the time you have given to the Anguilla Public Service. You have done a great job. We have seen the fruits of your labours in the many interviews, news stories and everything else you have done.
“I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster, and the rest of the Government of Anguilla, in saying to you that you have done a really good job and I am happy to be part of this ceremony to share a meal with you, and to celebrate with you – the fact that you have run a good fight. But there is still more ahead to be done and I will look forward to hearing the next chapter of your life and what you will be doing. I guess I will be somewhere in that chapter as well.”
In the past, the Minister worked with his brother as a graphic designer while he (Ivor) served as a photographer.
Other plaudits were expressed for Ivor by his former colleagues Mr. Keithstone Greaves, Acting Director of Radio Anguilla, who delivered his own tribute, as well as one on behalf of the Director, Ms. Farah Banks, who is off-island; and the Acting Chief Information Officer, Ms. Felicia Hennis, who worked closely with him as Information Officer, sharing the intense and challenging workload.
Ms. Banks said, among other things: “Personally, I considered Ivor our resident historian and culture-bearer at the station. While I wouldn’t say that he is a talkative person, he would always share conversations in my office where he would inject snippets of historical facts and information…Another great thing about him is that he is multi-talented so I am sure he will have many things to take up his time.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Minister of Home Affairs, with responsibility for Radio Anguilla, Dr. Aidan Harrigan, joined in commending Ivor for his work in the public service from his early days in community development and welfare and upwards. Dr. Harrigan said he found much pleasure in listening to Ivor’s coverage of hurricanes over the years. He described him as being a man of many talents and was certain that it would not be difficult for him to find something to do in his retirement.
Ivor was presented with an Anguilla Rock Award by both Minister Hodge and Dr. Harrigan.
