Madame Speaker, I thank God for his mercies in allowing me to present my Government’s 2017 budget for the people of this Territory under the theme: Charting Our Course: Positioning the Virgin Islands for the Future.    

Greetings to the wonderful people of the Virgin Islands, It’s that time of the year again where we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ and do as he instructed which is to spread love to one and all.

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.

Christmas is a very special time of year for many of us. With our diverse community, a Virgin Islands Christmas of 2016 is much different than the Christmases I grew up knowing, where there was one reason for the season. Different cultures, different religions and different beliefs present a new opportunity for us to welcome other cultural celebrations, but also a chance for us to show our visitors and friends what a Virgin Islands Christmas is like.

I am Andrew A. Fahie, First District Representative,  Member of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition and Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party. On behalf of my family and I, I take this opportunity to wish everyone Happy Holidays,  God's Blessings and a Prosperous 2017 where it will be a time of challenge but moreso a time of restoration in many respect.

A Merry Christmas to all: both residents and visitors of these peace-loving Virgin Islands, particularly my constituents of the Third Electoral District.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, joyous greetings to each of you during this holiday season.

Hello Virgin Islands, I am Marlon Penn… Junior Minister for Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs and Representative for the Eighth District.  I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the visitors and residents of the Virgin Islands and their families, especially those in District 8, a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2017. 

My fellow citizens, residents, friends and visitors, the 2016 Christmas and Holiday Season is again in full swing, as we celebrate the birth of our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ.  This is a very joyous time of year, celebrated by millions around the world, including here in the Virgin Islands.

For many of us, the end of the year is usually a time of reflection and also a time of planning for the future.