Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

Tree lighting rings in holiday season

Tree lighting rings in holiday season

In a year that has been anything but normal, Christmas 2020 will feel a little different as well, Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said Sunday at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Lions Club of Tortola at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused immense hardship for the people of the Virgin Islands, which is why residents should make an extra effort to foster a spirit of togetherness and help out other community members this holiday season, said Dr. Wheatley, who is also a Lions Club member.

“In my view, the Christmas season takes on a different complexion,” he added. “Based on the difficulties we’ve had over the past few years, … I implore you make this Christmas season more about giving to the needy.”

The ceremony, which marks the start of the Christmas season in the territory, brought throngs of people to the pier park, where onlookers lined the edges of the grassy area in front of Mac’s Café to take in all of the evening’s spectacles.

After a group of elected representatives and Lions Club members flicked the switch illuminating the brightly decorated tree, eliciting applause and cheers from the crowd, people danced to the rhythm of the Shooting Stars Steel Orchestra and to live music from the Three G’s, among other musicians who performed throughout the night.

While addressing the crowd, Lions Club Vice President Nichola Dunkley seconded Dr. Wheatley’s message of community support during a tough year.

“Many of us are experiencing hardships never imagined in the Virgin Islands,” Ms. Dunkley said. “But as we did after Hurricane Irma, we shall rise at the end. However, we will only rise if we work together and continue to be our brother’s keeper.”

As Christmas approaches, the Lions have organised several initiatives aimed at helping the needy, Ms. Dunkley said.

The organisation is working with the Tree of Hands community group to collect toys through Dec. 16, before distributing them in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Lions Club members will also be leading a food drive at Bobby’s Marketplace this weekend and another at Rite Way Pasea from Dec. 12-13.

All food collected during these drives will be donated to the Family Support Network and other food pantries in the territory.

“On behalf of the Lions Club of Tortola, we wish you a happy holiday,” Ms. Dunkley said.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
German Chancellor Merz Keeps Putin Guessing on Missile Strategy
Mandelson Criticizes UK's 'Fetish' for Abandoning EU Regulations
British Fishing Boat Owner Fined €30,000 by French Authorities
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
×