The Corn Islands Hall of Fame
Throughout history, the Corn Islands have been home to remarkable individuals who have left a lasting impact on their community and beyond, some dedicating their entire lives to the islands, and others carrying their name proudly across distant places. The Corn Islands Hall of Fame, a section of the Virtual Library, honours these men and women who have devoted themselves to serving others and uplifting the reputation of Great Corn Island and Little Corn Island. Honourees include activists, teachers, healthcare workers, athletes, musicians, poets, writers, and other individuals who, through personal initiatives or professional roles, have made significant contributions to the community or to regional, national, or international causes.
The following list recognises those selected for the Hall of Fame based on the Virtual Library’s established criteria for personal and professional merit. The order of names does not reflect any ranking of importance.
Personalities of the Corn Islands Hall of Fame
Education
Ms. Alva Hooker (RIP): Educator and founder of the first public high school (I.N.C.I.) on Corn Island. Born in 1907, passed away in 2002.
Ms. Marie Rigby: Educator and member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She was instrumental in reopening Ebenezer Baptist School after it had been closed for years.
Ms. Essie Nixon (RIP): Early educator and community leader. Born in 1912, passed away in 1992.
Ms. Olive Brown (RIP): One of the first public school teachers on Corn Island. Born in 1912, passed away in 1988.
Mr. Wilford Hunter (RIP): Renowned academic and one of the best English teachers on Great Corn Island. He served as Principal of Rigoberto Cabeza School and was a member of the Star of Tomorrow dance group, promoting traditional polka, mento, and schottische dances. Born in 1955, passed away on 29 March 2012.
Health
Ms. Ethel Kandler (RIP): Recognised as one of the first nurses on Corn Island and a devoted midwife. The local primary hospital is named after her. Born in 1918, passed away in 1984.
Ms. Lestel Downs (RIP): Historian, environmentalist, midwife, and nurse. Born in 1944, passed away in June 2020.
Sports
Mr. Cayetano "Cayo" Hunter II (RIP): Celebrated baseball player and catcher for the Corn Islands Baseball Selection during its first Atlantic Series participation in 1969. Also, a member of the Nicaragua National Baseball Team and promoter of island culture. Born in 1945 (not 1954), passed away in March 2015.
Mr. Richard Hunter (RIP): Star baseball player for several teams, including Costa Atlántica and Dantos, and member of the Nicaragua National Baseball Team. Born in 1969, passed away in May 2020.
Mr. Elry Britton: Former Costa Atlántica baseball player (1984–1990) and the first Corn Islander inducted into the Nicaragua Hall of Fame of Sports (2022).
Mr. Cheslor Cuthbert: Former Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox, and the first Corn Islander to reach the major leagues.
Culture, Literature, and Arts
Mr. Vertic Hodgson (RIP): Local musician and composer of classics like "Launch Turn Over." Born in 1918, passed away in 1996.
Mr. Peter Lampson III (RIP): Musician and collaborator with Vertic Hodgson in composing many iconic island songs. Born in 1919, passed away in 1994.
Mr. Quito Downs (RIP): Musician and painter, member of Conjunto Isleño and founder of The Black Sheep band. Creator of the famous mural depicting Colonel Alexander McDonald’s announcement. Born in 1956, passed away on 30 June 2019 in Sacramento, United States.
Ms. Arlene Hodgson: Musician, poet, and writer of the iconic "Corn Island Song." Former principal of BICU University on Corn Island and member of the Children of Tomorrow music group.
Mr. Charles "Chaleco" Hodgson: Musician dedicated to teaching and preserving traditional island music. Founder of the Island Stars youth music group.
Mr. Spence "Rocco" Hodgson: Musician, singer, and composer, known for "Crab Soup" and the production of the "Corn Island Song." Former member of the Children of Tomorrow and The Black Sheep bands.
Politics and Government
Mr. Hurley Morgan (RIP): Former mayor and a key figure in the Autonomy movement of the Caribbean Coast. Born in 1933, passed away in 2009.
Mr. Norman Downs (RIP): Seventh mayor of Corn Island, electrician, mechanic, businessman, and boat captain. Also the second Corn Islander to become a pilot. Born in 1943, passed away in 2021.
Career, Community Service, and Activism
Mr. Samuel Woodreau Bodden II (RIP): First Corn Islander to become a pilot, trained in Managua and the United States. Born in 1916, died tragically in a plane crash at Aeropuerto Xolotlán, Managua, in 1946.
Mr. Jorge Morgan Britton (RIP):
Businessman, entrepreneur, fisherman, and boat captain. Founder of PASENIC S.A., the only native company in the Corn Islands dedicated to buying and exporting fish. Mr. Morgan played a key role in the growth of the local fishing industry, not only on the islands but across Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast. He contributed to several social causes and generously shared his knowledge and experiences about the history of the islands. He passed away on 16 October 2025.
