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'Premier Santa' brings cheer to children @ Christmas in the City

Scenes from the 2025 edition of Christmas in the City. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Scenes from the 2025 edition of Christmas in the City. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Scenes from the 2025 edition of Christmas in the City. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Scenes from the 2025 edition of Christmas in the City. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Scenes from the 2025 edition of Christmas in the City. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) brought Christmas cheer to the children of the Virgin Islands (VI) as he was transformed into Santa Claus, minus the big belly, for Christmas in the City.

Premier Wheatley joined the Christmas in the City celebrations on Shoreway Drive on December 5, 2025, passing out gifts to children between the ages of 0 and 10 years. 

The children had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and take a picture with him. 

The children were photographed with big smiles as they accepted the gifts Santa shared with them, bringing the joy of Christmas to their hearts. 

The 27th edition of Christmas in the City was held on Friday, December 5, 2025 and Saturday, December 6, 2025. 

Several small businesses were also present at the annual two-day event, allowing Virgin Islanders to get a head start on their Christmas gift shopping.

10 Responses to “'Premier Santa' brings cheer to children @ Christmas in the City”

  • asking for a friend (08/12/2025, 08:52) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    What about we adult nothing?
  • Eldread (08/12/2025, 09:15) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    I do know he is Vybz Kartel Santa Claus
  • I call that (08/12/2025, 09:17) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Giving out bribes
  • VIP Green Christmas (08/12/2025, 10:07) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Sing to the tune of Green Christmas by John L the Great :


    I dont want no blight Christmas ,
    with Walwyn Trio
    Just give me the right Christmas
    with Santa Nat-ta-li-o
    Because a blight Christmas will only bring stress
    I want continued sucess ,
    BVI blessed
    And continued VI Progress .

    verse 2 coming soon......
  • My only say (08/12/2025, 13:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    BAH HUMBUG!!!!
  • (08/12/2025, 20:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Every purchase made locally has a ripple effect.
  • 7day (09/12/2025, 00:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He is acknowledging Paganism with this Santa foolishness which is totally against the Most High. So be aware of these false leaders

    Jeremiah 10:2
    Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.”

    10:3
    For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.”
    10:4
    They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.”

    A Christian country with these customs everywhere like round about and lamp post.
    Workers of the devil
  • Effective Lines Needed (09/12/2025, 11:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The event was lovely in spirit, but the crowd control logistics definitely need stronger planning. From as early as 7:00 pm, parents were asking where to line up for Santa, but there were no signs, markers, or guidance from the organizers. When Santa arrived, the sudden instructions over the microphone created confusion, and the tone used toward both parents and children felt unnecessarily harsh. Being told not to accompany our children—during a night event, in a tightly packed crowd with no structured lines—was especially concerning.

    The atmosphere shifted because of how the situation was handled, but this can absolutely be improved next year. Simple, thoughtful steps like stanchions, roped lines, and clearly marked age-group signage would make a world of difference. Alternatively, organizers could ask each child’s age at the front and have helpers pass gifts accordingly, which would also support solo parents in lines managing children of different ages.

    Most importantly, choosing a host who is warm, calm, and comfortable addressing families would help set a positive tone. With better preparation and a more pleasant approach, this event can easily become the joyful experience it’s meant to be for the children and parents alike.
    • To say the least... (09/12/2025, 13:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You couldnt of said it any nicer tbh.. that host who was making an "attempt" to crowd control the lines of little children was nothing but an absolute HOG. Literally screaming at the parents to get their children in line or she would "go home with all of the presents". Her behavior during Christmas time as absolutely despicable and i took my children home after that nonsense as they have plenty of gifts under the tree. There were barely any visible employees to properly advise the waiting parents and kids alike and not to mention, the chosen male on stage with Santa that you had to pass your infant baby to him for the kids to sit with Santa. It all seemed uncomfortable and unorganized. For the love of Christmas, plan better and DO NOT have that Grinch of a host EVER again. She deserves to be no where near children!


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