ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, November 3th,2011 – Government has officially named the Sea Cows Bay Softball Field on Nibbs Estate the ‘Roger Allen Hodge Park’.
On Monday October 31, many witnessed the unveiling of the monument depicting the Late Roger Allen Hodge, a Virgin Islander who made the Sea Cows Bay softball field his sports clinic to teach and train youth in the community to excel in the sport.
Premier and Minister for Tourism Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE said it was an important day in the Territory because it was the first time in the history of the Virgin Islands (VI) that any site was named in honour of a young person.
“Cabinet is pleased to recognise Mr. Hodge in this remarkable and memorable way,” Premier O’Neal said, adding, “The naming of the facility and unveiling of the monument represent Government’s commitment to youth and sports development and the strengthening of sports tourism.
He noted that Mr. Hodge has now joined the list of notable Virgin Islanders who were recognised in a similar way for their sacrifice and service to the Territory.
Minister for Communications and Works and Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser, RA said, “Since 2008 an initial discussion was held at the Cabinet level to name this softball field here on Nibbs Estate the Roger Hodge Park in memory of the late Roger Hodge, who was a talented softball player and sports enthusiast from right here in Sea Cows Bay."
He said, “While the journey to get us to this point in time may have taken a little longer than we anticipated due to some unavoidable setbacks, I am sure that you will all agree that the wait was worth the cause."
In remembering Mr. Hodge, Minister for Sports Honourable Andrew Fahie said he was a young man destined for excellence and no doubt could have reached his fullest potential as an international athlete.
Minister Fahie said that Mr. Hodge left a good example for many to follow.
“Let this field be a beacon of hope for all who come to this field to play and for all the youngsters who want to excel."
In giving the vote of thanks, Chairman of the Naming Committee Mr. Julian Willock said that Mr. Hodge was an avid sports enthusiast who epitomised the true mark of team spirit and team effort. He commended Minister Fraser for conceptualising the idea to name the facility in Mr. Hodge’s honour. He thanked committee members for ensuring that the event was a success.
In speaking on behalf of the President of the BVI Softball Association Mr. Neville Smith, Secretary Marieta Flax-Headley explained that Mr. Hodge was an excellent defensive and offensive player who made a sterling contribution to softball in the VI.
In responding on behalf of the family, Ms. Renee Hodge who unveiled her brother’s monument said that his passion for softball radiated throughout his life. She said pitchers did not like to pitch to him because he was a powerful batter.
“Roger would have been pleased with today’s ceremony,” Ms. Hodge said.
The ceremony also included a reading of Mr. Hodge’s biography, a cultural performance by his Alma Mata the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School and a presentation to the family by the staff of the BVI Electricity Corporation.
Mr. Hodge was born on March 8, 1972 to Alphonso and Cecilia Hodge of Sea Cows Bay. He came from a line of renowned softball players. He played with the legendary Byrds and often won the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP). He was one of three employees from the BVI Electricity Corporation who died on April 6, 2004 in a fatal accident on the Haver's public road.
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