The V.I. community reacted with disbelief and sadness Tuesday at news of the passing of Derek Hodge, one of the territory’s most charismatic and influential political personalities, who died Tuesday at age 69 from a prolonged illness.
Hodge was etched in the firmament of V.I. life, duly expressed by the condolences that poured in all day Tuesday.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. said Hodge’s "sharp wit, friendship and political savvy will be missed and mourned by a great number of Virgin Islanders, myself included."
Hodge’s life touched a broad spectrum of the community—political, legal and social. His engaging smile and gracious manner were hallmarks of his eight-year tenure at Government House between 1987 and 1995 under Gov. Alexander Farrelly.
As a freshman senator in 1984, Hodge was elected president of the 16th Legislature, a feat not easily matched. However, Hodge topped that after his two-year Senate term by becoming lieutenant governor under Farrelly.
Sen. Louis Hill, who called Hodge his mentor, said, "He was so exceptional as a senator, that Alexander Farrelly chose him to be his lieutenant governor for his two terms in office." Hill called Hodge’s tenure "the benchmark of what the role should be."
In a prepared statement, the governor credited Hodge with playing a pivotal role in the development of the Virgin Islands during an impressive career. DeJongh characterized the lifelong Democrat as a risk taker. "He challenged his Democratic Party in 1994 to run for governor, and even though he lost, he maintained a passion and commitment to public service," deJongh said.
DeJongh lauded Hodge’s performance as lieutenant governor, where "he modernized the functions of the office, working proactively for efficiency, accountability and accessibility."
The governor noted that Hodge, along with former Delegate to Congress Ron de Lugo, was actively involved in securing federal funds for the territory, including more than $20 million in appropriations for St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. DeJongh added that Hodge helped “reestablish the V.I. government’s bond rating in the municipal bond market, which led to the issuance of $230 million in bonds for the Capital Improvement Program."
On a more personal note, deJongh said, "The Virgin Islands has lost a true native son, a man of integrity and enthusiasm, a brilliant attorney and politician…. It was his passion to see the territory continue to modernize and expand for the good of all residents, and he spent much of his life pursuing these goals."
Born on St. Croix Oct. 5, 1941 to the late Rexford and Enid Hodge, the former lieutenant governor attended public schools on the island. After graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1963, he taught at Brooklyn College in New York City, at Elena Christian Junior High School on St. Croix and at the then College of the Virgin Islands, before enrolling in Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. receiving his law degree in 1971.
Hodge came back to St. Croix to open his own law firm, Hodge, Sheen and Finch, in 1972.
Not one to waste time, Hodge quickly became a force in Democratic politics, elected St. Croix party chairman in 1974.
After leaving office at the end of the Farrelly administration, Hodge resumed private practice, where he remained a voice in politics.
In his remarks, Hill said, "We senators and other government officials often sought Derek’s advice. He was a fountain of wisdom."
Current Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis called Hodge "statesman of the V.I. Democratic Party … who selflessly shared his knowledge with our community."
Freshman Sen. Janette Millin-Young noted that Hodge "will be known in the annals of V.I. history as one of our most brilliant native sons and an agent for change."
Hodge also had a way with words. In an eloquent eulogy for Alexander Farrelly at a Washington, D.C. ceremony, Hodge said Farrelly was “born a Crucian, but he died a Virgin Islander."
The same could be said for Hodge.
Hodge is survived by his wife, Monique Sibilly Hodge; his two children, Marisol and Jonathan; three grandchildren, Olivia, Malachai and Hadassah; sister Coleen Hodge; and many other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his brother, Attorney Winston Hodge, and by his mother, Enid Kettle Hodge, who died last month.
Funeral arrangements on St. Thomas are pending.
