Staff of the BVI Hong Kong Office and Virgin Islands students studying in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and China were treated to the office’s annual Christmas Dinner on December 20, 2025. Photo: BVI Hong Kong Office

Staff of the BVI Hong Kong Office and Virgin Islands students studying in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and China came together to celebrate the holidays as a Virgin Islands family on December 20, 2025. Photo: BVI Hong Kong Office

Held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, 13 Virgin Islanders, 5 staff, and 8 students gathered in Central, Hong Kong. 

A press release from the BVI Hong Kong Office described the day as a “fun-filled afternoon of fellowship, Virgin Islands music, games, a Christmas meal, and plenty of Sorrel, Ginger Beer, and Guavaberry.”

Important to celebrate as a VI family 

Director of the BVI Hong Kong Office, Dr Ricardo L. Wheatley, said the holiday gathering is hosted every year to give students and staff a “touch of home” during the holidays. 

“Most of our students will not travel back to their families in BVI for the holidays, so it is important that we celebrate Christmas here as a Virgin Islands family and that no one is alone,” he said. 

The Christmas dinner was sponsored by the Office of the Premier and organised by BVI Hong Kong Office staff members Mr Ronn Grant and Mr Shaquille Malone. 

Following the dinner, Mr Grant and Mr Malone led a festive Christmas lights walking tour for the students across Hong Kong’s City Centre. 

More students to join next year 

Mr Grant, Political Economy Officer, said that currently, there are nine Virgin Islands students studying under the BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme. 

“It is my hope that at next year’s holiday gathering we will host 20 students for Christmas dinner as more students join the programme,” he said.

Students interested in applying to the BVI Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme for the 2026-2027 academic year are encouraged to contact the BVI Hong Kong Office via email at studyinasia@bvihongkongoffice.com.hk.