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Press Release From Independent Source

Christmas message by Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando smith, OBE

Premier Smith - Christmas is a celebration that fills us with joy and gratitude for our Creator’s love for all humankind, manifested through the ultimate gift of his only son, Christ Jesus. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Season’s Greetings to you, the residents and people of these Virgin Islands and to all within the sound of my voice, whether you are sitting in front of your television, listening to radio or via the internet.

Christmas is a celebration that fills us with joy and gratitude for our Creator’s love for all humankind, manifested through the ultimate gift of his only son, Christ Jesus.

Today as we gather with our loved ones and friends to reflect on God's gift and in turn give gifts, let us hold firmly to our traditions and continue to make Christmas as the song goes 'the most wonderful time of the year'. It calls for a little effort in preparing but it is well worth it.

I am delighted to see that there seems to be a revival of caroling and serenading throughout the Territory perhaps interrupted every now and again by the many showers we have been getting this year.

God willing, I am looking forward to Christmas a season when every home could expect a band of serenaders as used to be the case.

I would like to thank all of you who joined with me in celebrating Christmas around the world - a celebration in the BVI. I enjoyed every minute of it and realised more than ever that even though we hail from diverse cultures, and countries, unity makes the BVI the special place it is.

In this same spirit of unity, let us remember the less fortunate than ourselves. Remember those among us who may not have extended families, who may not have friends. Let us step outside the norm and reach out to them. Let us do something special to brighten their day. There is no better way to express our thanks to God for the gift of his Son, than to offer assistance to those in need.

We are reminded of the fragility of life and should keep in our prayers, those who are sick and shut in and those families whose loved ones are no longer with us. This year we said goodbye to Cultural Icon Ms. Corrine Brewley, former Legislator Mr. Reeial George, educator Mrs. Claudia Lettsome, Customer Service enthusiast Mr. Vernon Dawson, boat builder Captain Kenneth Faulkner Sr., Educator Dr. Pearle Varlack and only within the last few days Mr. St. Clair “Bucky” Scatliffe. These are but a few of the many BVIslanders who are not with us this Christmas. I pray that that God would bring comfort to their families and friends who will miss them in the midst of their celebrations.

In this time of thanksgiving, let us together thank God for protecting the BVI for yet another year from the devastation of hurricanes. And, let us remember in prayer those who were less fortunate near and far - especially those in the Philippines.

It has been a tough economy globally and the BVI has not been immune. But we have much to be thankful for: whether we look afar or closer to home where thousands are facing the new year with uncertainty as jobs are lost. We must give God thanks for his mercies and resolve to continue to not only work hard but smart to make sure that our economy continues to thrive. Whether it is being warm and helpful to our visitors, or keeping our surrounding clean and attractive, let us do so to the best of our ability to keep our country strong and beautiful.

The world community continues to mourn the loss of an international icon Mr. Nelson Mandela who made unity, reconciliation and forgiveness a part of his life’s mission in changing the world. In doing so he inspired thousands. May his life and mission continue to inspire all of us here in the Virgin Islands.

As we get ready to say goodbye to 2013 and welcome 2014, let us look ahead with optimism and hope, to a bright new year.

Let us go forward in unity and pool our strengths to further grow this economy. Let us bring our ideas to the forefront and make this place we call home better than it was ever before. Let us treat each other with courtesy and respect. Let us strive to be law-abiding citizens and residents. In all these endeavours we will be strongest when we stand united.

In closing, I wish to thank those essential services that strive to keep us safe: our fire services, police force, health services personnel, our solid waste and sanitation workers. We appreciate you and pray that God will continue to bless you and strengthen you.

I take this opportunity to publicly thank all my colleagues, members for the House of Assembly, public officers and public authorities, government commissions and other agencies for your support throughout the year and I look forward to working with you in the new year as we work to strengthen all sectors of this economy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, my team at the Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Finance, my wife Lorna and our families, I wish each of you a joyous holiday season and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

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