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It’s Christmas time again!

-VI urged to remember and assist those in difficult situations
Miss World BVI Kirtis K. Malone flicks the switch to light up the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
Minister for Communications and Works and Fourth District Representative, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool encouraged persons to remember persons facing tragedies such as in Syria, Iraq and the Philippines and to see how they could assist. Photo: VINO
Minister for Communications and Works and Fourth District Representative, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool encouraged persons to remember persons facing tragedies such as in Syria, Iraq and the Philippines and to see how they could assist. Photo: VINO
2nd Vice District Governor, Lion Marvin Grant also echoed the call for persons to keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas and to reach out to others in difficult situations. Photo: VINO
2nd Vice District Governor, Lion Marvin Grant also echoed the call for persons to keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas and to reach out to others in difficult situations. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
The traditional lighting of the Christmas tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The spirit of Christmas was officially ushered in the Virgin Islands with the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree, Yuletide greetings, and the singing of Christmas carols at the Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town last evening, November 30, 2013.

The main messages were to reflect on the true reason for the season and to think of the less fortunate persons in the Virgin Islands and further afield and to find ways of helping their situation.

“We hear in the news everyday of difficulties in places like Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and we know of in the recent past we have had real tragedies…. like in the Philippines,  where tonight many persons don’t have shelter or may not have food. So we want to remember them in this time of peace and giving and find somewhere or another to contribute to their lives to make it a more peaceful and better life,” encouraged Minister for Communications and Works and Fourth District Representative, Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool.

Hon. Vanterpool also sent out greetings to all in the Virgin Islands on behalf of government and his own family. He also noted that Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith was somewhere between London and Brussels. Notably absent was Acting Governor V. Inez Archibald who was said to have been affected by a conflict of schedule.

The lighting of the Christmas tree was organised by the Lions Club of Tortola in collaboration with the British Virgin Islands Christian Council.

“It is always a great time for visitors and residents alike to gather in a fun setting to greet one another and get the holiday celebrations off to a really great start. As a Christian community it is the time that we commemorate the birth of the lord and saviour Jesus Christ, the son of God. This is why the event has the support of the BVI Christian Council,” noted Hon. Vanterpool, who added that the event precedes another highly anticipated event, Christmas on Main Street scheduled for next Friday and Saturday.

2nd Vice District Governor, Lion Marvin Grant also echoed the call for persons to keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas and to reach out to others in difficult situations.

“Tonight, while this beautiful tree is lit, it will once again signal the beginning of the festive season here in the BVI. I therefore ask that we all, especially during this period, reflect on the true meaning and reason of these celebrations and that is unconditional love for our fellow men as exemplified by the birth and work of our saviour Jesus Christ.”

Mr Grant also urged persons to remember the sick and shut-ins, the needy, “the little boy or girl who may not receive a toy or even a proper meal simply because their family’s situation is not all that great. Seek them out and freely share with them. Show them that you care.”

Yuletide Greetings were also given by Zone Chairman 2A, Lion Norval Young, Lion President Vanessa Simon and Leo President Celine Thomas.

Miss World BVI Kirtis K. Malone then did the flicking of the switch to light up the Christmas tree.

Following the lighting of the tree, performances were given by the St Williams Catholic Choir, Mrs Lelani Stevens-Roberts, Jane Estridge, Kirtis Kassandra Malone, National Boys Choir, Kene and Friends, Jana Penn and Company and the Leo Club of Tortola among others.

22 Responses to “It’s Christmas time again!”

  • roof (01/12/2013, 10:53) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    ugly tree
  • Hmm (01/12/2013, 11:40) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    So where is Ms. BVI??????
    • @ Hmm (01/12/2013, 12:33) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
      Sharie has given up the crown my dear
      • please (01/12/2013, 12:58) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        Is either you are a bigger idiot that I thought or you prejudice We all know she is no longer miss bvi. For you information there is a new Miss BVI in Town. Hope you learnt a lesson today.
        • Turtle Dove (01/12/2013, 15:23) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
          Relax, why you so on edge? I think the person meant to say Sharie handed over the baton so to speak and not that she actually gave up before her reign ended. Touchy, touchy, touchy
        • @ please (01/12/2013, 15:32) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
          Freudian slip or typo?



      • one eye (01/12/2013, 14:45) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        we have not seen our heard from the new Miss BVI she is in hiding
      • St. John (01/12/2013, 15:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        you people blew my mind when it comes to this Miss BVI ting
  • Concern 1 (01/12/2013, 13:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    But from my understanding isnt ms rochester ms bvi and not sharie at this moment. Unless i have my facts wrong
  • mother hen (01/12/2013, 14:53) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
    happy that a pastor had the balls to tell the children that there is no Santa Claus
    • Wrong (01/12/2013, 18:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Kids are not kids for long these days, that man should be ashamed of himself, let the children believe in the magic of Christmas and Santa while they can. His congregation should be furious at him.
    • Father hen (01/12/2013, 20:36) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      If he only had the sense to understand there is more truth in the story of St.Niclaus (Santa Claus) than his whole religion!
  • SORRY MS. CHICHESTER (01/12/2013, 17:12) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    But them really got it out for you girl. I guess this indigenous thing really touch them nerves since them got you in hiding!
    • WONDERNOMORE (02/12/2013, 11:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      To everyone who is wondering where is the new Miss BVI Rosanna ChiChester she was at an charity event for Prostate Cancer in Nanny the same night as the lighting of the christmas tree. Visit her facebook page and keep updated. https://www.facebook.com/MissBVI2013
  • @ SORRY MS. CHICHESTER (02/12/2013, 01:01) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    If I waz she I will hide from that old no good committee yes
  • cay (02/12/2013, 09:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    xmas thing is over rated
  • next (02/12/2013, 17:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    some of you just need to say merry xmas


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