Season’s Greetings to all those residing within the Virgin Islands.

We stand once again on the verge of another holiday season, during which time we make a concerted effort to spread good tidings of peace, joy and goodwill to our fellow men, whomever and wherever they may be.

I would like to take this time to wish all citizens and residents of these Virgin Islands a blessed and peaceful holiday season.

If the past year has taught us anything at all, it is that time waits on no man. The past twelve months have flown by like a sped arrow and the spoken word; none of which can be recovered.

The dawn of another New Year stands in the horizon, but as we all reflect on 2014, I am mindful of the fact that we all – in one form or another – came face to face with our own unique set of challenges.  Some of us also encountered similar obstacles along the way.  Some of us were fortunate enough to have accomplished our goals, while others failed to do so.

My encouragement to everyone at this time is that we to continue to allow ‘hope’ to fill our sails and keep us moving forward. That hope should exist not only in good times, but even more so, in the bad times. That hope should not only reign when the way is clear, but also in the midst of uncertainty. Hope for a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for this Territory, and for the people that make these shores their home.

For some, as we step into this holiday season, things may not be as bright as they had hoped for. But whatever your circumstance, I ask you to be assured that you are not forgotten.  There are many persons who in the midst of the smiles and laughter are hurting and tearful, and it behooves us all to reach out to those who are in need and offer them the hope of better things to come.  And even if you may be that person in need, there is still so much you can share, through your words of affirmation, your deeds of kindness and your very presence which can make the greatest difference and shower hope upon the lives of those who care.

My sincere hope and prayer for you during this special time is that God will continue to outpour His richest blessings on each of us as we each play our part in planting seeds of hope in the hearts and lives of those around us.

My family also joins in wishing you a bright and peaceful holiday season, and in the spirit and power of hope, we are all destined to overcome whatever obstacles we encounter, and to walk into a brighter, more certain tomorrow.

May God continue to bless us all, and to bless these beautiful Virgin Islands!