My fellow Virgin Islanders, residents, friends and visitors,  the Christmas and Holiday Season is upon us again as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. We celebration in different ways depending on customs and religion.

Here in the Virgin Islands as is customary we are busy doing all the things that will make the Christmas and holiday season memorable and enjoyable.

During this Christmas Season many of us will also attend church services as this signifies the birth of Jesus Christ. In short we say Jesus is the reason for the season. Families and friends gather sharing food, drinks and gifts in the spirit of joy, peace and laughter.

This year like recent ones would be considered an eventful and memorable one in various ways, filled with joy, happiness and unfortunately some sadness. Some of us will not have loved ones around this Christmas.  My prayer is that God will continue as he always will to comfort all bereaved during this difficult period.

 All of our lives were touched in some manner that will remain in our minds and hearts forever. Regardless of your circumstances one thing is absolutely certain; Jesus will continue to be with us every day, once we continue to put our trust and faith in him.

During this Christmas Season I pray that all of us will dedicate our lives to the service of mankind by being our brother’s keeper regardless of the circumstances.

Let me take this opportunity to encourage all of us to kind and respectful to each other especially during this season.

On behalf of my Euriniece and our two daughters, may the Gift of Happiness, the Gift of Love and the Gift of Peace be yours this Christmas and a most Prosperous and Healthy New Year.

 I also extend these greetings to the Premier Dr. Hon. D. Orlando Smith and his family, the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Julian Fraser and his family, the Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe and her family, the Hon. Members of the House of Assembly and their families and all public servants and their families.

Again Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to one and all.