BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A service in celebration of the life of Elmond Hodge, one of the three men who went missing at sea since December 24, was held earlier this week and afforded friends and loved ones the opportunity to collectively reminisce happier times.
The service was held at the premises of The Way, Truth and Life Assembly E.P.C., Gillard’s Housing Development, St. Peters on the evening of Tuesday, April 14.
The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Johnson Cuffy, leader of the assembly, and featured tributes by his wife, Janet Hodge; other members of his family, Shakeila Hodge, Teshainne Hodge, Pearl Huggins, Chaz Huggins and Joyce Huggins as well as other who were touched by his life.
They spoke of Elmond’s physical presence which they cherished up until his disappearance and, although he is no longer around, they noted that they would find comfort in the fact that his memory would live on. They further expressed that they have found comfort in the arms of God and would continue to do so.
The speaker for the evening was Prophet Samuel Huggins James.
A shrine was erected at the front of the church, at the top of which sat a picture of the missing fisherman. Elmond’s wife placed a lit candle on the top of the shrine, symbolic of his memory which will forever burn in her heart and in the hearts of his many relatives. She also placed a flower on the shrine.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, Elmond’s wife said she is fully aware that her husband is gone but there is still that part of her that looks with anxiousness for the day when he returns.
“I haven’t given up. I am still looking to see...I know he is gone but I am still looking to see...”
Elmond, along with Joseph ‘Joe’ Chambers of Ponds Pasture and Dominican Julius Alcendor who resided at New Guinea, who were all fishermen, went out to sea on Christmas Eve last year to fish and have not been seen since. Local and regional bodies were actively involved in search and rescue efforts but all were unsuccessful at locating the men.
“I am very thankful to all those persons who gave us their support during this difficult time,” Elmond’s wife expressed to SKNVibes.
