“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill to men.”  I am V. Inez Archibald, Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands extending Season’s Greetings to the people of the Virgin Islands.

I am thankful that we have been graced with witnessing the approach of the closure of 2015 and the dawn of 2016.

At the Office of the Deputy Governor, we have been busy cultivating an improved atmosphere of excellence through a number of initiatives, some of which have already borne fruit and others which will bear fruit in the New Year.

The Christmas season is a time for celebrating the birth of the Christ Child.  We do so in different ways – we worship, we give gifts, we spread good cheer.  In the Virgin Islands, we also eat ham and tart – coconut tart, guava tart, pineapple tart, guavaberry tart, and we drink guavaberry. Our families meet and greet and reminisce. And we show hospitality to the stranger in our midst. 

As we celebrate, I urge that we remember the reason for the season is the Birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and I urge too that we remember, in our different ways, those who are alone, those who are grieving, those who are in pain, those who are homeless, and those who are struggling to find a home in safer places in the far- flung places of our world.

To all public officers who year in, and year out, continue to give your best, I wish you and your families the blessings of the season.  As a Public Service, we have come a long way this year. Thank You. And thanks to His Excellency the Governor and to the Government of the Virgin Islands for their steadfast support during the year.  We look forward to continuing to chart the course for more exceptional service to the public in 2016.

Blessings abound to all who reside in this place we call home during this Christmas season and throughout the year.

V. Inez Archibald, CBE
Deputy Governor