L2r: Senate President Novelle Francis, Gregory Hodge (DJ Avalanche), and Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach. By. V.I. LEGISLATURE
Four more Virgin Islanders received official honors during a Perma Plaque Ceremony hosted on St. Thomas on Monday morning. The event was the second in as many weeks as the 35th Legislature works on clearing a backlog of honors, some dating as far back as the 30th Legislature.
Gregory Hodge, known more commonly as DJ Avalanche, was honored for his outstanding contributions as a disc jockey, radio talk show host, and entertainer. He received the official Key to the Virgin Islands. Senator Javan James Sr., who sponsored the original legislation, celebrated his “significant impact on the cultural landscape of the Caribbean.” Mr. Hodge has produced several songs, one of which – “Hard Fete” by Bunji Garlin – won the 2023 Road March title in Trinidad and Tobago. He also produced Pumpa's smash hit "A-List".
Accepting the recognition, DJ Avalanche thanked the community for embracing and pushing him. He encouraged young Virgin Islanders to “let my story be a symbol of inspiration that we can do big things from a small community.”
The Ivanna Eudora Kean High School was recognized for achieving its 50th anniversary, celebrated in 2021. Senator Carla Joseph, one of several alumni currently serving in the 35th Legislature, spoke highly of the school’s continued success. Noting that the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School may have been labeled by some as a “second class public school”, Sen. Joseph celebrated the school and its alumni for having “risen tall and strong.” Senator Milton Potter, another former student, wished the administration and students “another productive 50 years.” Former Ivanna Eudora Kean High School principal, now insular superintendent of the St. Thomas/St. John District, Stefan Jurgen, accepted the plaque on the school’s behalf.
George E. Goodwin, the late legislator, also received high praises during Monday’s ceremony. Sen. Joseph, who was among those who led the charge to pass Resolution 8702, remembered his “monumental” contributions to the territory. Mr. Goodwin, she recalled, played a “pivotal role in securing the right to public education,” allowing thousands of non-immigrant children to attend public schools. Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach, who was numbered among those thousands, explained that he treasures "the memory of people like Mr. Goodwin, because they engaged in work that they didn't have to do, but did it on behalf of people who, at the time, needed their assistance.”
Mr. Goodwin, who passed away in September 2023, was an avid cricket fan, prompting the Legislature to rename the cricket field in Estate Nazareth in his honor. He was also posthumously bestowed the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor. The former senator’s son, Neal Goodwin, expressed thanks on behalf of his family.
Finally, the 35th Legislature honored Reverend Dr. George E. Phillips for his invaluable contribution to the Christian gospel, ministry, and people of the Virgin Islands. According to Senator Milton Potter, Reverend Phillips “served as a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength through some of the most challenging times in Virgin Islands history” during his 60 years of active, full-time, ministry. In a statement written by the Reverend, he reflected on the “privilege to serve the people of the Virgin Islands as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
For Senate President Novelle Francis Jr., the newest cohort of honorees “exemplifies how one's dream can be accomplished through hard work, strength, character and dedication.” He spoke highly of their contributions to the USVI’s society and promised that the Legislature would continue to bestow these honors “so that history could show the contribution of these individuals.”
