HOLIDAY MESSAGE 2016
BY THE DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND LABOUR
DR. THE HONOURABLE KEDRICK PICKERING

Season’s Greetings, I am Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Member for the Seventh District and Minister responsible for Natural Resources and Labour of the Government of the Virgin Islands. On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to take this opportunity to firstly, wish you and your family an exciting, magnificent and tranquil Holiday Season. I would also like to take this opportunity to send a special holiday greeting to the people of the Seventh Electoral District, who have placed their faith and confidence in me over the years. I will continue to do my best to serve them and our utmost to improve our community and by so doing, continue to build this great little Nation.

Christmas is a time for togetherness; families and tradition. This is indeed a special time of year when the best is scene in humanity. This time, is the time for giving. Gifts are given to relatives and friends near and far, and of course people are full of Christmas and Holiday cheer!

I ask, this year, that you grasp the feeling of the season and not just experience it but pass it on wherever you go. Spread the joy of giving this year, by actively doing something for others and with others. Reach out to your neighbor, your colleague, your distant, and maybe not-so-distant, relative. Give them something, and gifts are not always gadgets and packages. Gifts can be time well spent.

Give back to your community and give back to the planet. In remembrance of the Environment Week theme, consider, “making the world a better place” this year. Remember someone who may be sick and shut in. Let us not be wasteful or greedy at this time, but always remember others, in everything we do. The smallest things are important; a kind gesture while you are driving, allowing someone to merge into your lain in traffic,  lending  a helping hand at the supermarket or the grocery store, forgiving your neighbor or family member in a quarrel, or sincere wishes for a prosperous year – these small deeds can go a long way.

So, before we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, remember the reason for the hustle which are, the gifts, taken most for granted. Recycle or plant a tree with your children, pass on a coconut tart recipe to your nieces and nephews. Give your colleague or your neighbor a slice or even the secret to your black cake or guava tart.

Remember not to overlook any of our blessings.

So on behalf of my immediate family, my wife Alice and our children, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, and the people of the seventh district, I wish you a safe and wonderful Holiday Season as we prepare for the New Year: 2017. I pray that God will continue to watch over, guide and protect us.

May God bless us. May God continue to bless these Virgin Islands. Have a safe and peaceful Holiday Season. God bless you.