HOLIDAY MESSAGE 2016 BY MEMBER FOR THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE NINTH ELECTORAL DISTRICT
 DR. THE HONOURABLE HUBERT O’NEAL

As we approach yet another Christmas Season, we must give thanks for the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We must give thanks to him for his mercies in helping us traverse, in many respects, a difficult and challenging year, 2016.

It has been, for the want of a better word, a rough year, especially for myself and for my people of Virgin Gorda and Anegada.

From the beginning of the year, with the announcement of the closure of Little Dix Bay Resort, following the closure of Biras Creek Resort, just six months before, there has been a ripple effect with the displacement of hundreds of workers and whole families who depended, so heavily on these major resorts for their livelihood. Months later, there are still many Virgin Gordians without employment and they continue to struggle to make ends meet with regards their every day expenses. The government and private business enterprises have have continued to support the people of Virgin Gorda, in this, their great time of need. But there is much more to be done.

During this Christmas season, I ask for your continued prayers and support for the people of Virgin Gorda.

As we look to the dawn of the New Year, 2017, I am incredibly hopeful that the worst has passed, and I look forward to better days for my people and the entire Territory of these Virgin Islands.

We must remain strong and resilient, as a people and continue to trust, in the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, that he will guide us through, which I believe will be a brighter new year.

I wish all my people a very merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous new year.