Gov. John deJongh Jr. has declared an official period of mourning in the Virgin Islands in memory of former Senate President and Lt. Gov. Derek M. Hodge, who died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

“A period of mourning in the Virgin Islands from Wednesday … through the day of Lt. Gov. Hodge’s funeral is a fitting tribute to this giant of a public servant, brilliant attorney and politician,” deJongh said in a statement released by Government House Wednesday morning.

During the period of mourning, the governor has directed that flags on all public buildings in the Virgin Islands be flown at half-staff from today through sunset on the day of Hodge’s funeral.

Funeral arrangements for Hodge are pending.