Fellow Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors.

I am Mark Vanterpool, Minister for Communications and Works and Representative for the 4th Electoral District, which includes The Capital City of Road Town.

I bring you Season's Greetings on behalf of the staff of the Ministry and its Departments, Divisions and Units; the residents of the 4th District and my extended family.

It is indeed a privilege to be alive to see the end of another year.

Reflecting on 2015, you would agree that we have all had some great and memorable moments - personal successes in our families; academic achievements; productivity on the job and growth in business; and certainly other goals that we would have accomplished.

Unfortunately, some of us have had some not-so-great moments during this year as well.

On a personal level, we said goodbye to loved ones and friends who passed away; and we had disappointments and challenges financially, health wise, emotionally and otherwise.

Similarly, on the national level, there have been highs and lows.

We continue to experience political stability, we are seeing growth in our economy and the continued development of our infrastructure, but we have had some setbacks and tragedies which have resulted in delays and even loss of lives.

Through it all, we can truly say that we have come this far by our faith in God and because of our collective resolve to ensure that our beautiful Virgin Islands continues to thrive, for the benefit of our citizens and those who live, work and visit here.

At this time of the year, I really want us to pause and reflect, not so much on ourselves or persons immediately around us, but more so on others here in the Territory, the rest of the Caribbean and throughout the world, who are experiencing difficult times.

I want to specifically remember those persons affected over the last several weeks in France, the Far East, Afghanistan, Africa, the USA, Dominica and elsewhere, by incidents of violence and disasters.

The suffering has been tremendous and the world has been negatively impacted.

Through it all, however, we have seen the resilience of nations and I encourage us not to lose hope, but reach out in whatever way we can to our Brothers and Sisters across the world, especially through our prayers to The Almighty God.

As we reflect on the hope that Jesus Christ has brought for us into this world, through His death on Calvary's Cross, I know that we can follow His example and do as He bids us, to help those who are less fortunate than we are.

Again, on behalf of the Team at the Ministry of Communications and Works, the constituents of the 4th District and my own family, enjoy your Christmas, be safe and mostly this year, remember to help others before ourselves.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and to all, a Prosperous New Year 2016.

God bless you and God bless these beautiful Virgin Islands.