Full Christmas Message From Governor Augustus Jaspert

This week, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in BVI. There are festive songs on the radio, trees going up in homes across the Territory and many will have been ice-skating at VISAR’s Winter Wonderland. It is a time for joy and celebration for all, inspired by the birth of Jesus Christ.

It is also a time for reflection, where we can refocus on the most important aspects of our lives and look back on the year just passed. It has been an unusual year in BVI and indeed the world – one we could never have predicted at this point last year. For many, it has been a year of stress and uncertainty and some may not be able to spend Christmas as they usually do with their families. Nonetheless, I hope that this Christmas offers happy times with loved ones - in person or virtually - where we can rest, recharge and reaffirm our faith.

Traditionally, Christmas is also a time of generosity and gift-giving. For some, this will mean presents under the tree, but I hope that this year, we can give the gift of kindness and compassion too and open up our homes to those who may be alone over the Christmas period. There are many less fortunate than ourselves and even the smallest caring gesture can go a long way at this time of year.

This year, we cannot hold the traditional Christmas Party at the Governor’s Office so we are rallying behind ‘Tree of Hands’ and the ‘Lions Club of Tortola’ to help ensure more children can receive gifts this year. Staff across the Governor’s Office are contributing toys and we encourage others to do the same where they can.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the many organisations, businesses and individuals who helped BVI get through this difficult year. We stand today more resilient, more compassionate and more united as a result of the community coming together to support one another through COVID-19. You have shown again that the people of BVI are so caring and sharing – and that’s what makes BVI so special.

As Governor of the Virgin Islands and I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the people of the BVI for the warmth of your continued support. To every single individual across BVI, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2021.