Anguilla has recorded the passing of one of its well-known nationals, Mr. Whittington Hodge, of Stoney Ground, on Sunday, February 29, 2021, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Mr. Hodge was just recently in Anguilla when he took ill and travelled to St. Thomas where he usually spent some time. His passing created shock and disbelief for many of his relatives and friends in Anguilla who had seen, spoken to, and interacted with him a few days before his passing.
At 79, he was a popular figure among the Anguillian population, many of its residents having been fully acquainted with him over the years. Nicknamed “Chief”, by his early friends on the island, he served briefly as a school teacher following which he worked elsewhere in the Anguillian public service, mainly in the then Sanitation Department, as a Public Health Inspector. He served under the leadership of Mr. Sidney Guishard, a national of St. Kitts, who was in charge of the public sanitation services in Anguilla at the time.
Mr. Hodge later travelled to St. Kitts where he eventually became a leading and fully-trained Public Health Inspector, enjoying much responsibility and respect across that island as well as in Nevis. On retirement, he returned to Anguilla and assisted in further developing the island’s public health services. He mentored a number of other Anguillians who worked with him over the years – establishing a legacy which has benefitted Anguilla to this day.
After leaving the Public Health Department he served for some time as Manager of Anguilla Rums, then a popular industry, particularly in the tourism marketing of the island. After that he settled down to private life, later becoming an active Brother in the Jehovah Witness Assembly located at Pope Hill, just west of the Church of God (Holiness). He was a well-recognised Witness travelling to various parts of Anguilla by himself, or with other Witnesses, carrying out his ministry and touching the spiritual lives of many with whom he came into contact.
He was known to be a lover of life, of good humour and laughter, and is greatly missed by all who knew him. He was the brother of Walwyn Hodge and the late Watkins Hodge, two of Anguilla’s well-known former businessmen. He was the father of three children: Tommy Hodge, former Manager of the Anguilla Electricity Company; two professional daughters, Cheryl, a Medical Doctor in Canada – and Rosemary, a businesswoman in the United States. He was the godfather of Mr. Percy Thomas, the social commentator in Anguilla.
The Anguillian offers its condolences to the family of the late Mr. Whittington Hodge.
May his soul rest in peace.
