Dr Christine Hodge Launches New Book, Real
Retired educator Dr. Christine D. Hodge of Ballast Bay, Tortola, celebrated the launch of her new book Real Family Jokes on Thursday, 20 November 2025, with family, friends and community supporters. The launch, reported by the Government Information Service and local media outlet Guavaberry, highlighted the book's blend of humour, culture and local history and confirmed that proceeds will support the Ivan Dawson Memorial Scholarship Fund. This update incorporates additional details from the Government release, including best wishes from the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports and a brief description of the Department of Culture's role supporting local authors and cultural preservation.
Hodge of Ballast Bay, Tortola, celebrated the launch of her new book Real Family Jokes on Thursday, 20 November 2025, surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers. The launch was covered in a Government Information Service release and reported by local media outlet Guavaberry; both accounts provided the event date and key highlights.
Real Family Jokes collects memories and anecdotes passed down through generations and presents them as a blend of humour, cultural insight and local history. Hodge told the audience, "First of all, I thank God for this beautiful day and for His presence here with us. This book has been long in coming - from the time Noah was building the ark.
Many of you will know me as an educator, not realising that I am a true comedian at heart. Get ready to learn, and laugh!" — a quote reported by both the Government release and Guavaberry. The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from Honourable Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull, Member for the 2nd District.
Angel Smith, Historian and Manager of Archives of the Government of the Virgin Islands, offered congratulatory remarks and highlighted the historical perspectives within the book and its value to the Territory's cultural record, as noted in the Government release. The proceedings were chaired by the author’s niece, Mrs.
Religious and cultural leaders also took part: Dr. Michael Turnbull delivered the invocation and Dr. Rochelle Smith, Director of the Virgin Islands Studies Institute at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, performed a special musical selection of "The Goodness of God." Deputy Director of Culture Anne Lennard and staff from the Department of Information and Public Relations were present to support the event, and the Government release also conveyed best regards on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.
Keith Dawson, President of the Ivan Dawson Memorial Scholarship Committee, confirmed that proceeds from book sales will go towards the scholarship fund established in loving memory of Dr. Hodge’s father — a detail emphasised in both sources. The tie between local authorship and education was noted as reinforcing community efforts to preserve stories while investing in future students.
The Department of Culture, which organises the long-running Book Launch Programme, reiterated encouragement for individuals and families to write and share their stories as a form of cultural preservation. The Government release also outlined the Department’s wider role as the central agency for preserving, protecting and promoting the Territory’s cultural heritage and noted how it supports festivals, performing and creative arts, and cultural-heritage initiatives.
Residents seeking information about the Book Launch Programme may contact the Department of Culture at 468-4408 (as listed in the Government release). Real Family Jokes is available for purchase at One Mart Supermarket and online at www.realfamilyjokes.com. Photo credit for the launch was given to Andre 'Shadow' Dawson.
The Government Information Service release was issued by Information Officer Angela U. Burns and supplied additional contact details for government media enquiries.
Primary source: BVI Government