Judge Verne Antonio Hodge. Photo Credit: V.I. LEGISLATURE.
During its monthly meeting on Tuesday, the St. Thomas/St. John Historic Preservation Committee approved new signage for the premises of the Virgin Islands Superior Court, making way for the renaming of the court buildings to honor Hon. Verne Antonio Hodge.
The naming of the Verne A. Hodge Superior Courthouse was facilitated last year by an Act of the Legislature. Now, as part an overall plan to spruce up the exterior of the building, officials plan to properly brand the wing of the structure that is occupied by the court. “People should know when approaching the complex which side is really the court’s,” said Regina Petersen, administrator of courts. “There's never been any evidence of the seal of the Superior Court.”
Plans are to mount a large seal on the front “face” of the complex, with the building’s new name in large letters below it. A bronze plaque below that will feature a likeness of Judge Hodge, as well as the language of the perma plaque inscribed upon it.
Ms. Petersen shared additional plans for the upliftment of the exterior of the court house, including turning the now-defunct fountains into planters, complete with decorative perennials and complementary lighting.
Committee members were complimentary about the court's comprehensive, well-researched presentation and had few questions for Ms. Peterson. Upon inquiry, they learned that under the stewardship of Judge Hodge, the court had historically funded the maintenance of the public spaces in the entire complex, although now attempts are being made to get the V.I. Police Department and the Bureau of Corrections to participate in and contribute more towards the building's upkeep.
At the end of the presentation, committee members voted unanimously to approve the new signage and dedication plaque, so that the building's dedication and naming ceremony can move forward as planned.
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