Although not yet sworn in as an associate judge of the Territorial Court, attorney Rhys Shelley Hodge was the recipient of glowing tributes Saturday night.
The occasion was a dinner dance sponsored by the Anguilla-Virgin Islands Society where Hodge was honored for his contributions during more than 30 years of practicing law on St. Thomas.
Hodge was confirmed recently by the 23rd Legislature to fill a vacancy on the local court bench. A native of Anguilla, Hodge is a founding member of the society.
More than 600 persons packed the ballroom at the Palm Court Harbor View Hotel for the event attended by family, friends, lawmakers and Hodge's colleagues in the legal community.
Gov. Charles Turnbull led the government delegation at the event, noting the contributions of Anguillans to the development of the Virgin Islands. "They have contributed much to our society," Turnbull remarked. On the Senate confirmation of his first nominee to the Territorial Court bench, Turnbull expressed confidence in Hodge's ability to "dispense justice fairly" in all situations.
"He is a young man of sterling qualities," the governor said. He added "the legacy of any governor, any chief executive, is determined by the quality of his nominees to the judiciary."
Sens. Roosevelt David, Donald "Ducks" Cole, David S. Jones, Lorraine L. Berry and George Goodwin were were in attendance. Senate President Vargrave Richards was listed on the program but he was not in attendance.
The chief minister of Anguilla, Osborne Fleming, who made a courtesy call on Turnbull Saturday, pledged his determination to advance the relationship between the people of Anguilla and the Virgin Islands. The President of the Association of Caribbean Organizations Dr. Richard Lloyd also praised Hodge for his contributions to the Virgin Islands and not "forgetting from whence he came."
Former Lt. Gov. Derek M. Hodge was the night's keynote speaker. Hodge praised all Caribbean people, especially the natives of Anguilla, who migrated here, and "have risen to the top of society."
Referring to Judge Designate Hodge as a "dear friend" who managed his 1994 gubernatorial campaign, Derek Hodge expressed confidence in Rhys Hodge's ability on the bench. Hodge discounted suggestions that Turnbull's appointment was politically driven. "I think Rhys has done us honor by acceptance of this position as an associate judge."
The former lieutenant governor recalled many childhood memories both men shared.
In his response to the accolades bestowed on him, Hodge recalled his struggle to make it through law school and eventually open his law office on St. Thomas. He reiterated what he told the Senate Rules Committee during his confirmation, that there exist many "qualified native Virgin Islanders" who could serve on the bench. "But I am grateful to Governor Turnbull for selecting me, I am truly grateful," he added.
Hodge is closing down his private practice before assuming his new position, a process that could take another 60 to 80 days.
