JUNIOR MINISTER FOR TOURISM
HONOURABLE SHARIE B. de CASTRO
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2020

SHINING THE LIGHT OF BVILOVE FOR A BRIGHTER AND HAPPIER HOLIDAY SEASON

My fellow Virgin Islanders, residents and guests to our beautiful shores; it is my pleasure to greet you in the spirit of Christmas – by wishing you a happy and prosperous holiday season!  I know that many of you will agree that there’s just something special about Christmas.  Maybe, it’s the nostalgic expression in gifts of love, or maybe it’s the way the energy of the season reminds us of our childhood.  Yet, as those fond memories resurface, our hearts become overwhelmed with the purest joy of sharing BVILOVE with family and friends.

So as we welcome in full embrace, the 2020 Christmas season, we also join hands with believers throughout the territory and around the world to recognise the birth of Christ. This is indeed the time of year to spread joy and cheer, appreciate our blessings and honour traditions like decorating the Christmas tree, opening presents or drinking guava berry and eating our favorite coconut tart.

Most importantly however, it causes us to reflect on the true meaning of our human existence, and in our reflections, we should conclude that the Spirit of Christmas rests in the loving and cherishing of each other.

This year however, we come to this season having experienced so many challenges both individually and as a Territory. Many norms have been uprooted, some are concerned about their financial circumstances and feel doubtful about a better tomorrow. However, Christmas has that unique quality that always reminds us that in each of us, is a spark that has the ability to ignite solutions to the challenges we face.

So, today I share with you my hope for Christmas. I pray for a Christmas in which we all take a moment to reflect on how each of us may bring joy and peace to those in need and the most vulnerable.

It is in that same spirit of love and charity, that God gifted His only son, who brought joy and peace to the hearts of all mankind.  Through this precious gift we experience happiness and renewed hope, and we should endeavor to kindle that same feeling in others. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to those who never cease to be a beacon of light in our Territory. To our religious and charitable groups who have shown this kind of Christmas love to others throughout the year, I extend my gratitude and encouragement, to persevere in well-doing.

 And then my final thought to us all, let us use our experiences of 2020 and in this present moment, reset.  In that, we make a concerted effort to brighten the corner where we are.  Let us follow the example set forth by Christ. To an offender, offer forgiveness - to an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart - to a visitor, kindness. To every child, be a good example - to all, charity, and to ourselves, respect.

So from my house to yours, here’s to wishing you and your family Happy Holidays and best wishes for a joyful and prosperous new year.