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.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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