Local News
British Virgin Islands Christmas Past: A Heartwarming Celebration of Tradition, Community, and Giving
In the heart of the British Virgin Islands, a spirit of joy and togetherness enveloped the islands as Christmas approached. A timeless tapestry of traditions unfolded, weaving together the rich fabric of community spirit.
The islands were alive with the sounds of laughter and the scent of freshly baked tarts wafting through the air. Families came together, their homes adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The spirit of camaraderie filled the air, as neighbours engaged in playful banter while participating in friendly “tart wars,” a unique tradition where families playfully competed to create the most delicious and visually appealing tart.
As the aroma of cakes,bread, ham, and turkey filled the kitchens, the anticipation of the Christmas feast grew. Friends and families meticulously planned get-togethers, sharing not only delicious meals but also the warmth of their companionship. Guava berry wine, the drink of the season, flowed freely, as islanders indulged in tasting sessions, savouring the rich flavours that embodied the essence of the holidays.
Yet, amidst the joyous preparations, the true spirit of Christmas shone through in the acts of kindness and generosity. The childlike excitement of exchanging gifts was complemented by a commitment to give back to the community. Many dedicated their time and resources to charitable causes, organising treats for children and assembling care packages for the less fortunate.
The islanders also embraced their spiritual heritage, attending special church services that kept the Christ in Christmas. Carolers roamed through communities, their voices harmonising in festive melodies that echoed the joy and hope of the season. The traditions, passed down through generations, served as a testament to the strength of the community and the values that bound them together.
Premier Natalio D. Wheatley’s 2023 Chritmas message emphasises the importance of preserving these traditions, ensuring that the younger generations inherited the legacy of a close-knit and harmonious society. Love was the common thread weaving through every aspect of the celebration – love for family, love for friends, and love for the entire community.
In a world often marred by hatred and violence, the British Virgin Islands stood as a beacon of love, peace, and harmony. As Christmas dawned, the islanders took a moment to reflect on their blessings and give thanks. The Premier’s call to spread love and happiness at home and abroad resonated deeply, inspiring a collective resolve to be a source of light in a world longing for peace.
And so, in the glow of twinkling lights and the warmth of shared laughter, the British Virgin Islanders celebrated Christmas, not just as a festive occasion but as a reaffirmation of their commitment to love, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Virgin Islands.
This Christmas, amid the tropical splendour, Premier Wheatley is asking all British Virgin Islanders to not just share in festivities but in a profound affirmation of love, unity, and the enduring spirit of our cherished community.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation following an armed robbery at a popular bar in the Sea Cows Bay area late Monday night.
According to police, a group of armed individuals entered the establishment on the night of May 12, demanding valuables from patrons and staff. While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised concerns about safety in the usually tranquil community.
Officers responded to the scene and are actively working to identify those involved. The RVIPF has confirmed that investigators are maintaining close contact with key witnesses and gathering critical information as the inquiry continues.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or who has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be provided confidentially to the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
As Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week kicks off from May 12 to 16, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on residents to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Shamelle Thomas said this year’s campaign, themed “Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction,” aims to empower communities to combat the spread of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
“The message is clear,” Thomas emphasized. “While the mosquito may be small, its bite carries a serious threat to public health.”
Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, a critical breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Source reduction is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities,” Thomas added, noting that even small amounts of water can become mosquito nurseries.
However, inconsistent community participation has been a persistent challenge. “People are not maintaining their properties or properly managing stored water, partly due to the intermittent water supply,” Thomas said. “We want to remind the community that vector control is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared community effort.”
To mark the week, the Environmental Health Division will host a series of public outreach activities, including an art and poetry competition for students, school visits, and an expo aimed at encouraging behavior change.
Residents are also encouraged to inspect and clean water containers weekly, properly dispose of waste that can collect water, use screens on windows and doors, and wear protective clothing or mosquito repellents when necessary.
Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder of the connection between mosquitoes and the potentially severe illnesses they transmit, underscoring the importance of community action in reducing these risks.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has credited the British Virgin Islands’ commitment to sweeping governance reforms for avoiding direct rule by the United Kingdom, a critical moment in the Territory’s political history.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Premier Wheatley highlighted the dedication of public officers who were instrumental in implementing the necessary reforms to preserve local self-governance.
“The period challenged us as British Virgin Islanders to the core and forced us to confront some harsh realities of our governance deficiencies,” Wheatley said. “We had to make the choices necessary to uphold the values imparted to us by our fore parents. We had to defend who we are as a people and protect our future aspirations.”
The reform process, initiated in response to the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report, required the establishment of new structures, processes, and procedures to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust. Despite these challenges, Wheatley praised the resilience of public officers who managed both the reforms and their regular duties under demanding conditions.
“Our public officers developed and implemented the structures, processes, and procedures necessary for the reforms while simultaneously managing daily operations,” he said. “This was especially challenging given the systemic conditions highlighted in the COI Report.”
The Government’s recently submitted Self-Assessment Report to the UK is a critical component in determining whether the Order in Council to partially suspend the British Virgin Islands Constitution will be lifted.
Wheatley expressed optimism that the Territory is now on a path toward greater self-governance, supported by a newly approved Governance Reform Transition Plan, which outlines the next steps in the ongoing transformation.
“Today is a day we should all applaud,” Wheatley said. “It symbolizes our collective resilience and commitment to the ideals that make us British Virgin Islanders and commits us to the pursuit of self-determination.”
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