A boat captain who spent nearly half a century transporting passengers around the Virgin Islands and a pastor who gave spiritual support to a generation of leaders each were awarded the BVI Badge of Honour Tuesday morning during a ceremony at the Governor’s House.
“I extend my congratulations to Captain Wendell W. Parsons and Pastor Cromwell Oliver Hodge,” Governor Gus Jaspert said before presenting both men with badges and certificates commemorating the milestone. “I am truly honoured to award them the Badge of Honour.”
In his citation of Mr. Parsons, his brother-in-law, Ulric Scatliffe, also a member of the committee, explained that he began serving the territory as a young man as a boat captain, transporting government officials between islands on the M/V St. Ursula.
“He could be called upon at any time and always responded willingly,” Mr. Scatliffe said.
He also noted that Mr. Parsons is a leader in the Road Town Methodist Church, and has spent countless hours visiting the sick and elderly and caring for his physically handicapped son, who also attended the ceremony.
Deputy Governor Rosalie Adams, delivering the citation for Mr. Hodge, mentioned his habit of calling business leaders, politicians, friends and relatives to deliver advice and encouragement, recalling that he once called her a “bright girl” who was bound to succeed.
“It is Pastor Hodge’s love for the territory that has always kept him abreast of all significant happenings in the community,” she added.
‘Supporting and uplifting’
Premier Dr. Orlando Smith praised the men for “supporting and uplifting” their fellow citizens and for their “dedication to acting as shining examples for their fellow Virgin Islanders.”
Mr. Parsons’ nephew Cecil Forbes said his uncle also worked at Peter Island Resort in the 1970s and helped pioneer the tourism industry.
“He was one of the first boat captains to build the territory,” he said.
Mr. Parsons also spoke, saying, “I thank God for the love of my family, and I am humbled and grateful to accept this award.”
Pastor Hodge
Mr. Hodge was one of the founding pastors of the Road Town Baptist Church, now the New Life Baptist Church, and was its longest-serving pastor. He was also an assistant editor at the Island Sun newspaper early in his career, and taught several subjects at schools around the territory.
Ross Hodge recalled that his brother, the eldest of seven, took on a paternal role in the family.
“Our mother was on her own, so he was like a father to us,” he recalled. “He always looked out for us; made sure we went to church.”
Mr. Hodge said he cried “tears of joy” when he told his son that he was being honoured.
Asked about his philosophy on life, he summed it up in word, “Respect. Respect all people, especially our leaders.”
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