Fourth District candidate under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) slate for the 2013 General Elections in the Virgin Islands (VI), Mrs Lude D. Hodge-Smith has promised to fight for the people of the district and work for them should she be elected to the House of Assembly.
Mrs Hodge-Smith speaking at her Fourth District campaign launch on March 31, 2023, at the Market Square in Road Town, Tortola, recalled her disappointment at losing to Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) at the last election but said she has remained committed to the district and was grateful to have garnered so much voted as a then first time candidate.
‘I started this political journey four years ago… and I once again pledged my commitment of service to you, the people of District 4, when you vote for me at the polls to represent you at the 5th House of Assembly.”
“I still remember and will never forget your resounding support of me during the 2019 General Elections. You came out, you voted, you allowed us to garner a remarkable number of votes as a first time, Candidate, although I lost to the incumbent by 57 votes, I was elated and grateful to you, the voters of District 4, for such resounding support,” she added.
Back in 2019, Hodge-Smith lost to the incumbent Mark H. Vanterpool who received some 442 against her 385 total votes, however, she thanked him for his representation over the year given his exit from politics.
Ms Hodge-Smith speaking at her Fourth
district campaign launch on March 31, 2023, at the Market Square in Road
Town, Tortola, VI recalled her disappointment at losing to Hon Mark H.
Vanterpool (R4) at the last election but said she has remained committed
to the district and was grateful to have garnered so much voted for a
then first time candidate.
I remain ready to lead! - Hodge-Smith
“I have kept up with the politics over the past four years and remain connected to my 4th district constituents. I remained ready to lead the 4th district and with your votes, I will use the opportunity you give me to listen, assess and represent you.”
Further, Mrs Hodge said once elected, she will work, fight, stand, and remain as connected and accessible to the district as possible, while representing them in the Fourth District.
Meanwhile, some immediate challenges to tackle will include health and safety, environment, infrastructure, youth development, senior citizen care, economic development, community development, and crime along with the provision of social services that covers youth development and more according to Mrs. Hodge-Smith.
Mrs Hodge-Smith also advocated for a deeper relationship with the UK as one where the UK Government helps
the Virgin Islands towards putting systems and strategies in place to achieve greater self-autonomy or independence should the people of the VI desire that.