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Over 45-year tradition of Christmas tree lighting continues @ Sir Olva Georges Plaza

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), seventh from right, was present for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree by the Lions Club of Tortola on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Photo: Office of the Premier
One of the performances at the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza on November 30, 2024. Photo: Facebook
One of the performances at the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Sir Olva Georges Plaza on November 30, 2024. Photo: Facebook
2019 Gen Y Factor winner Dwight A. Hutchinson Jr performs at the traditional Lighting of the Christmas Tree by the Lions Club of Tortola at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town, Tortola on November 30, 2024. Photo: Facebook
2019 Gen Y Factor winner Dwight A. Hutchinson Jr performs at the traditional Lighting of the Christmas Tree by the Lions Club of Tortola at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town, Tortola on November 30, 2024. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The traditional Lighting of the Christmas Tree by the Lions Club of Tortola started more than forty-five years ago and continued on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town, Tortola where many gathered for what was a treat for families.

The symbolic lighting of the Christmas tree was done by His Excellency the Governor Mr Daniel Pruce, who told the gathering how excited he was to be experiencing the event for the first time.

“I am told that Christmas here doesn’t really start until we had this evening, until the tree has been illuminated.” He spoke briefly of his induction into the service club, which he described as very dynamic and energetic.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), also a Lion, was at the event.

Lions Club applauded

Also Present was Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture and the Fourth District Representative, Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith, who applauded the work the club has been doing throughout the territory over the years, including the lighting of the Christmas tree.

“We appreciate you Lions Club, we appreciate your efforts, we applaud you and commend you for all that you do and all that we expect that you will continue to do.”

President of the Lions Club of Tortola Amorell Newton reassured the gathering of the Lions' commitment to the over 45-year staple and said, “Tonight we honour the Lions' giants who came before us, laying the foundation for the traditions we proudly uphold. Over 45 years, the lighting of the tree has been a symbol of hope and togetherness in our community.”

In a move to raise funds for the continuation of service to the community, persons won several prizes from a raffle which will see one lucky person winning a brand new car as the top prize.

The night was filled with entertainment by school children and adults including the Enis Adams Primary School Drum Corps, Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre, Dwight A. Hutchinson Jr and friends, and the BVI Dance School among several others.

7 Responses to “Over 45-year tradition of Christmas tree lighting continues @ Sir Olva Georges Plaza”

  • Herbs Powa (02/12/2024, 18:57) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    Y'all better get up of y'all ......... And do some research from stop following white people culture. Find out how Christmas start and stop being gate keepers.
  • Fam (03/12/2024, 00:31) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    in times like these we miss Carvin
  • Me (03/12/2024, 11:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Carvin was deeply missed at the Lighting as he was such a dedicated and committed member of that club. I miss his "Lives" on Facebook :-(
  • Lioness (03/12/2024, 12:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In previous years this event was one of the BIGGEST in the BVI, but then Christmas on Main Street took precedence and it was not much supported. I can see the new president trying his best.
    What I will like to advise however, is that you invest in people who know about sound engineering. I drove into town to the event and could barely hear anything or those who were performing. That was very disappointing to me.

    It could have been a better family outing just if sound was up to par. Everything else was good.

    • @Lioness (03/12/2024, 21:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree, this was at a time when families would go out together to enjoy the nite. I useto look forward to seeing the tree light up as a child & this was back in the 90's when it was by Vanterpools. I only ever recall attending once when it was moved from there to down by the plaza. Everything has changed so much over the yrs & not for the better sadly.
  • Yeah Buddy (03/12/2024, 18:26) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Do you understand why there is no vision for independence. This is where our pride and joy lies. Mentally retarded stuck on the plantation.


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