Four women — one of whom is quite possibly the youngest legislator in the history of the Virgin Islands — are already members of the House of Assembly. They are the recently-appointed Attorney General, Dawn Smith; the young At-Large representative, Sharie de Castro; as well as Shereen Flax-Charles and Alvera Maduro-Caines.

There are also others like the Director of Public Prosecutions, Tiffany Scatliffe-Esprit and police Superintendent Jacqueline Vanterpool.

The latest to join the ranks of local women in leadership is Natalie Hodge who has been appointed Film Commissioner effective May 17, 2021.

“There is tremendous potential for the further development of the territory as a location for film and photography projects. We believe that Ms Hodge has the requisite skillset to both assist with the development of the local film industry as well as take the lead in bringing projects to the BVI that will stimulate a broad base of economic activity,” said Director of Tourism and former Film Commissioner, Clive McCoy.

Hodge, who most recently served as the Deputy Chief Information Officer with the government, is responsible for “establishing and maintaining a close working relationship with the BVI Tourist Board, ensuring that the vision, mission & goals of the BVI Film Commission, are aligned to those of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB)”.

Among other things, she will also be responsible for identifying the key film and photography industry players while fostering and developing strategic networks and relationships with them.

Trained, experienced, and capable

She is able to take on these tasks having successfully completed all the required coursework including the master classes as mandated by the Association of Film Commissioners International, the BVITB said in a media release announcing her appointment.

Hodge also has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Media Productions from American InterContinental University in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States.

“Ms Hodge has a wide range of professional experience with various production companies including Tyler Perry Studios, Rainforest Films, No Regrets Productions, Blue Lion Club Productions, Tillymann Productions, Martha Munizzi Ministries & Symmetry Entertainment, Great Fortune Films, and Breakdown Productions LLC, where she has held positions ranging from Production Assistant to Production Secretary. She is also experienced in social media management and public relations,” the media release stated.