Ottley "Papa" Hodge Honoured in New York
Ottley “Papa” Hodge, a son of the British Virgin Islands who rose from local beginnings to become a respected Manhattan construction contractor, was honoured at the Virgin Islands Pride Awards Dinner and Dance in New York on May 17, 2026. New reporting from VINO adds detail about the event presenter and the origin of his affectionate nickname, and VICA says a book documenting his life is forthcoming.
Ottley “Papa” Hodge, a son of the British Virgin Islands whose career rose from local beginnings to major projects on the Manhattan skyline, was honoured at the Virgin Islands Pride Awards Dinner and Dance held in New York on May 17, 2026 (VINO). The evening was presented by Dr Muriel Shulterbrandt Williams, founder and director of MSW and Company and Grapeseed Business and Educational Consulting, who led the ceremony recognising Virgin Islanders whose achievements have made a positive impact in their communities and beyond (VINO).
Organisers and guests gathered to celebrate honourees whose work spans business, community service and cultural contribution. Within the construction industry Hodge became affectionately known as “Papa Hodge.” New details reported by VINO explain the name came in part because he brought his three sons onto job sites and ran projects with apparent impartiality — showing no preference among them — while managing with integrity, craftsmanship, fairness and compassion (VINO).
Those at the event described him as a hands-on leader who modelled professional skill and personal care. Hodge’s professional record is visible in the steel and concrete that shape Manhattan’s skyline. Throughout his career he took part in building completion and topping-out ceremonies and met prominent New York City leaders including former Mayors David Dinkins, Ed Koch and Michael Bloomberg, who recognised the role builders like Hodge played in the city’s development (VINO).
Beyond structures, Hodge’s broader legacy lies in the people whose careers he helped launch. Event speakers and community sources highlighted his longstanding commitment to fellow Virgin Islanders, Caribbean nationals and minority workers in construction — providing employment, mentorship and advocacy, including helping workers navigate labour unions and industry networks in New York (VINO).
The Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA) formally congratulated Hodge, saying his life “is a shining testament to the enduring values of hard work, humility, vision, and a deep love for community.” VICA President Melissa Potter and her team are preparing a publication titled The Ottley “Papa Hodge” Story – Our Star Manhattan Contractor to document his life and contributions, a tribute intended to preserve his story for future generations (VICA).
For residents of the British Virgin Islands, Hodge’s recognition underscores the influence of the diaspora and the pathways that skilled trades, union engagement and mentorship can provide. Community leaders say his example underlines the value of vocational training and the networks that link local talent with opportunities abroad.
The award and the planned VICA publication aim to ensure that Ottley “Papa” Hodge’s combination of craftsmanship, leadership and community service is recorded and shared — both as a record of individual achievement and as inspiration for young people in the BVI considering careers in the trades (VINO; VICA).
Primary source: VINO