Atkinson Village Council in Saint Andrew Perish, Dominica, recently celebrated and honored their local cricket star, Kavem Hodge, with a motorcade on Sunday. Hodges’s exceptional talent and recent century against England in July 2024 have brought immense pride to the people of the Atkinson Community.
On Sunday afternoon, when Hodge came to the village, he was mesmerized by the love, as many people went to the street to welcome the hero. Cars decorated in West Indies flags and Hodge’s banners paraded through Atkinson, with people of all ages cheering, waving, and celebrating this festive and united feeling.
Kavem Hodge’s journey from Atkinson’s Cricket grounds to the West Indies International stage reflects his dedication towards the sport. In the recently played match against England, he landed an outstanding century, reflecting his status as a rising cricket star. Atkinson community expressed their pride and joy in the motorcade honoring his achievements.
Everybody made the day memorable for Hodge. The community’s commitment and effort made the event successful, from planning the motorcade to decorating the streets. Local businesses and sponsors generously supported the event by offering resources and support, showing the close-knit nature of the Atkinson community.
The billboard curtain drop featuring Kavem Hodge was one of the day’s most memorable moments. It is located in the middle of town and features a massive picture of Hodge itself mid-action. As residents gathered around to take photos, the larger-than-life billboard and a message of congratulations from the community was a great tribute to their hometown hero.
The grand welcome home motorcade celebrated Kavem Hodge’s success and showcased the talent in small communities like Atkinson. It inspired young athletes to strive for greatness through hard work. Even though the celebration was only for a single day, Kavem Hodge’s successes and the community’s support will leave a lasting impact on Dominica for years to come.
Dominica’s community also praised Kaven for his perseverance, making them proud. They said they would stand by him as he continued representing Dominica globally.
Later, Kavem Hodge talked about how much their encouragement had meant to him for his career and how honored he felt to represent his village internationally. Hodge expressed his gratitude and said, “This community has always been my foundation.” Adding,” Your love and encouragement have driven me to work harder and achieve more. This honor means the world to me, and I’m grateful to each and every one of you”.