ST. THOMAS – The life and legacy of former Lt. Governor Derek Hodge were honored Monday at the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute, where Hodge sought treatment for his battle with cancer.

Close to 60 business leaders, government officials and family members came to see a bronze plaque unveiled in the sunlit Infusion Suite where Hodge received much of his care.

“He believed in the Virgin Islands enough to know that his treatment should be here,” Gov. John deJongh Jr. said.

The afternoon's keynote speaker was Michael deLugo, a native Virgin Islander and partner in Concessions International, which sponsored the plaque.

DeLugo said Hodge would be proud to be remembered at the Institute, as its doctors, nurses and cancer-care technology embody the progress and improvement Hodge held dear.

Hodge's wife, Monique Sibilly-Hodge, thanked the staff for their kindness and caring.

“The staff here is the best; to me that's really what it's all about,” Sibilly-Hodge said.

Schneider Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Alice Taylor said she and her staff were proud that Hodge turned to the Cancer Institute for help.

“It was a gift to be able to care for a man who had so greatly improved the territory's systems for transportation, disaster response and health care,” Taylor said.

Chief Operations Officer Angela Rennalls-Atkinson said the Institute treats an average of 156 patients every month, who come not only for cancer care but for treatment of conditions such as sickle cell anemia.

Photo by Earle Ottley of Government House:
From left, Concession International's Michael deLugo, Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis, Monique Sibilly-Hodge, Gov. John deJongh Jr., Schneider Regional Medical Center CEO Alice Taylor and SRMC Board Chairman Cornel Williams posed Monday after unveiling a plaque honoring former Lt. Gov. Derek Hodge at Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute.