Hall of Fame

The Corn Islands have been shaped by remarkable individuals who have made lasting contributions locally and beyond. The Hall of Fame honours those who, through personal dedication or professional roles, have uplifted both Great Corn Island and Little Corn Island. Honourees include educators, activists, artists, healthcare workers, and others whose impact has inspired and contributed to progress at the local, regional, national, and even international levels.

The following list recognises individuals selected based on personal and professional merit, as defined by The Corn Islands Virtual Library & Museum. Names appear in no particular order.

 

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1010

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1011

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

Ms. Essie Nixon (RIP)

Early educator and community leader. Born in 1912, passed away in 1992.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1012

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

Ms. Olive Brown (RIP)

One of the first public school teachers on Corn Island. Born in 1912, passed away in 1988.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1013

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1014

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1015

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

Ms. Lestel Downs (RIP)

Historian, environmentalist, midwife, and nurse. Born in 1944, passed away in June 2020.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1016

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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, passed away in March 2015.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1017

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1018

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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).

Digital Number: TCISVM-1019

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1020

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1021

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

Mr. Peter Lampson III (RIP)

Musician and collaborator with Vertic Hodgson in composing many iconic island songs. Born in 1919, passed away in 1994.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1022

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1023

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1024

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

Mr. Charles "Chaleco" Hodgson

Musician dedicated to teaching and preserving traditional island music. Founder of the Island Stars youth music group.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1025

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1026

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1027

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1028

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum

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.

Digital Number: TCISVM-1029

Photo by: The Corn Islands Virtual Museum