MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY...HAPPY NEW YEAR
Christmas Message 2011
and
New Years Greetings 2012
Audio
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A Merry Christmas to all: both residents and visitors of these wonderful Virgin Islands, and Indeed my constituents of the Third Electoral District. I am Julian Fraser, Representative for the Third District.
In my last Christmas address, I can recall moaning over our battles with the effects of a worldwide lingering recession, and the effects of the territory wide unprecedented devastating weather related disasters of 2010, but thanks to the almighty, we have managed to hold on. This year 2011, while not as challenging as last, we are far from out of crisis, for the world continues to see economies worsen, with Europe now being the most recent to show signs of a bleak future, with no immediate solutions to report. This certainly cannot be good for the Territory, given our relationship with Europe, and in particular the United Kingdom. Our Road Infrastructure which was damaged last year continues to be in need of repairs, and with the Caribbean Development Bank’s Funding to fix those roads being in a state of limbo between our Government and the United Kingdom Government, it appears to be a rough road ahead for 2012. But nonetheless, as we go through this holiday period, I urge each of you to exercise patience as these circumstances may undoubtedly cause you to experience some inconvenience. Since the time of my last Christmas message, the infrastructure and the economy were not the only considerations for our territory. We had an election on November 7th, one which saw a change in leadership, a change to many of our leaders, a change which came with many promises, and would require lots of patience. While clearly this is a day of joy and celebrations, it is my duty to reflect on the past year and give God thanks for his goodness to us for our spared lives. I am also obligated to be a source of comfort to those in our hospitals or at home afflicted with ailment. I also mourn with those of you who have lost loved ones, as it seems each year brings an extra sadness to at least one family in my District, and this year happened to have been the Blyden Family of Hannah’s Estate, who shortly after having put their nephew to rest, were to learn of their daughter’s tragic death. My prayers are with that family as they mourn. Surely there are other families including my own in the District who has also lost loved ones, and I equally share your grief and mourn with you. I also ask God’s richest blessings upon you during your time of sadness. We have all learned to accept the tragedies life brings, and we have learned to live despite them all, and that’s what make this time of year so special, for there is still one thing; we have Christ our loving Savior to look to for strength and comfort. This we owe to this day, the day we call Christmas. This Christmas should therefore be special, for if we embrace it as a time of joyous celebration it could bring relief from all the sufferings endured for all the various reasons we may have. |
It was on this day over 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was born, and ever since that day, during this season the true church celebrates the birth of this virgin-born child who is born to us, the son who is given to us, the Mighty God, the Son of David, the everlasting King.
Christmas has always been a time of joy and for celebrations, both for me and the people I serve. As a servant of the people, there has been no greater satisfaction than to see you happy around this time, especially when some small contribution of mine has played a part in that happiness. This Christmas is no exception, as I have done my usual bit to see to that becoming a reality. Since last Christmas we have accomplished much as a community, though not as much as some may have expected, or even what we had hoped, but nonetheless we give God thanks. The world’s economy isn’t what it was just a few years ago, and neither is it the same in the BVI, but through it all, we have been able to do better than most of the rest of the world, and certainly better than most of our neighbors. My People of The 3rd District, and the entire territory, I extend my heart to you in whatever sadness you are confronted with this Christmas Day. Be it due to a personal ailment, or that of a family member or friend. Be it due to a loved one being incarcerated, or hospitalized, I pledge my continued support to you. I am quite aware, that by the time this message reaches you, the caroling would have stopped, and the serenading may be at full blast. But as you sit down with friends and loved ones to enjoy the day’s meal, and salivate over your delicious pastries, particularly Tart and fruitcake, I want you to enjoy yourselves in the true spirit of Christmas. For if ever there is a time to celebrate it is now. After all, “Hark! The Herald Angels singing”, Was a call to listen intensely, to hear the angels give glory to the New-Born King. Just as they celebrated then, on that day to be known as Christmas Day, you are expected to celebrate now. In closing, let me say how thankful I am to the people of The 3rd District for their expressions of love and confidence in me, for having me as their representative for this my 13th Christmas, but most importantly, for extending that mandate to serve you as Representative for a further four years. And may I extend greetings to all the people of the territory, particularly my constituents, both those at home in the B V I; and in St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, United States Virgin Islands. May each of you and your loved ones both near and far, have a Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year? |