Left to Right...Mrs. Jenny Mc Cleary, Emily Mc Cleary, Director of Hospital Nursing, Ms. Jascinth Campbell-Hannibal, Director of Hospital Services, Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith, His Excellency Governor Boyd Mc Cleary, the Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith and Nursing Supervisor of the Obstetrics Unit Nurse Emerald Pemberton.

Leona Crabbe playing the accordion.

In opening the proceedings, Hospital Nursing Director, Jascinth Campbell-Hannibal gave apologies on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, who was absent, due to being ill. She asked that persons hold him in their hearts, and to send prayers during this time.

During his remarks, Governor Boyd Mc Cleary brought season’s greetings, as he expressed his pleasure, along with his wife Jenny and daughter Emily, in being able to join in the tradition this year.

“It is important to remember those who are here, and to make it a happy day as it can be for them.” Additionally, he acknowledged particularly, the work of the members of staff who are working throughout the season.

In greeting the gathering, Premier Smith expressed wishes to the Governor and his family, as well as all who were in attendance. He specially noted, longstanding attendants; Elton Georges, Margaret Bord and Teacher Inez Turnbull.

“I have been coming here for many years and I am happy to be here this year. Christmas is a time when everyone should get together and forgive…it is a time to heal, as we move forward towards the New Year,” the Premier said.

Other contributors to the event were Andria Flax, Senior Human Resources Specialists who brought greetings on behalf of Glenroy Forbes, Chairman of the Authority’s Board and Ronald Georges, Ag. Chief Executive Officer, as well as the entire BVI Health Services Authority staff.

Just before the message was delivered, Leona Crabbe, a patient at the Hospital, treated the gathering with two selections. ‘How Great Thou Art,’ and ‘Joy to the World’ rang out from her accordion and persons joined in to the melodious sounds. “She was just awesome,” one person noted after the performance.

Pastor Howard Simon of the Seventh Day Adventist Church brought the Christmas message, which was, ‘a source of comfort, goodwill, and motivation.’ He focused on the book of John, Chapter 3 verse 16, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ The moving message reminded persons to remember God’s joy and the responsibility of others to spread God’s joy here on earth. “At Christmas, we are reminded of God’s joy to take us out of this sick world, into perpetual joy.” Pastor Simon also encouraged persons to extend the joy of Christmas throughout the year.

Nurse Emerald Pemberton, who retires in June 2012; delivered the scripture reading, Mrs. Tarreisha Dawson sang a beautiful, soothing song, and Cecil Turnbull sang, “A Christmas Dark Night.

A special thank you was extended to the band, Web and Company, the Commissioner of Police, Reynell Frazer, Cecil Turnbull, Tarreisha Dawson, and Leona Crabbe for their contributions.

Gratitude was expressed to Morgan and Morgan Trust Corporation Ltd., Mossack Fonseca & Co. (BVI) Ltd. National Bank of the Virgin Islands, SOL SLU Ltd., Smith’s Ferry, First Bank of the Virgin Islands, Glenroy Forbes, and the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal for their monetary contributions in making this year’s annual Christmas programme a success.

After the service, patients and visitors joined in Christmas goodies catered by the Dietary unit, organized by Phillipa Barry. Gifts were presented to patients during the Annual Christmas Programme. His Excellency the Governor and his family brought special gifts especially for the children who were at the hospital.

This year’s programme was organized by Director of Hospital Nursing, Jascinth Campbell-Hannibal and chaired by Director of Hospital Services, Cedorene Malone-Smith.