St Kitts and Nevis: Social Development Ministry gives farewell to Esther Hodge

St Kitts and Nevis: The Management Team and staff bid farewell to Esther Hodge, Office Attendant, who served around 25 dedicated years of service on August 31, 2022.

Hodge left strict instructions to the Ministry’s management team that she did not want to have a farewell ceremony or gathering. Her motto since she announced her retirement date has been “I came in quietly, and I want to leave quietly.” She got a portion of her wish.

During the last hour of her tenure as Office Attendant for the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs, the staff members present gathered to share fond memories and expressed their love and appreciation for her smile, her songs, her words of encouragement, her honesty, the care and love she took in her work and even more importantly her kindness. She has watched many of the staff members start and expand their families, which she celebrates even more than we do. She had a nickname for almost everyone.

PS Janelle Lewis -Tafari presented to Hodge a plaque to commemorate her 25 years of service to the Ministry. In response, Esther left us all in tears as she sang, “I love you because you are you!” Our sentiments to you as well, Esther. You have left an indelible mark on all of us who work at the Ministry. We know that you will not sit still but truly enjoy your retirement.

With love and best wishes from the Ministers who have served, members of the Management Team, staff, interns, visitors and colleagues; past and present.