DJ Avalanche, Producer of Global Hits Hard Fete and A-List, Receives Keys to the Virgin Islands; Other Noteworthy Individuals Celebrated
Four more Virgin Islanders received official honors during a Perma Plaque Ceremony hosted on St. Thomas on Monday morning. The event was the second in as many weeks as the 35th Legislature works on clearing a backlog of honors, some dating as far back as the 30th Legislature.
2024-04-23 12:30:13 - VI News Staff
Gregory Hodge, known more commonly as DJ Avalanche, was honored for his outstanding contributions as a disc jockey, radio talk show host, and entertainer. He received the official Key to the Virgin Islands. Senator Javan James Sr., who sponsored the original legislation, celebrated his “significant impact on the cultural landscape of the Caribbean.” Mr. Hodge has produced several songs, one of which – “Hard Fete” by Bunji Garlin – won the 2023 Road March title in Trinidad and Tobago. He also produced Pumpa's smash hit "A-List".
Accepting the recognition, DJ Avalanche thanked the community for embracing and pushing him. He encouraged young Virgin Islanders to “let my story be a symbol of inspiration that we can do big things from a small community.”
The Ivanna Eudora Kean High School was recognized for achieving its 50th anniversary, celebrated in 2021. Senator Carla Joseph, one of several alumni currently serving in the 35th Legislature, spoke highly of the school’s continued success. Noting that the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School may have been labeled by some as a “second class public school”, Sen. Joseph celebrated the school and its alumni for having “risen tall and strong.” Senator Milton Potter, another former student, wished the administration and students “another productive 50 years.” Former Ivanna Eudora Kean High School principal, now insular superintendent of the St. Thomas/St. John District, Stefan Jurgen, accepted the plaque on the school’s behalf.