Date: December 23, 2003
Contact: Sandra Brunet
Phone: 340-774-2991
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VARGRAVE RICHARDS EXTENDS SEASON'S GREETINGS TO
VIRGIN ISLANDERS AND VISITORS
Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards extends joyful Season's Greetings
to all residents, visitors and Virgin Islanders living abroad, as he
joins in celebration of the holiday season.
"Christmas is a time I look forward to each year. Celebrating
in the Territory, and especially on St. Croix, is always special and
heartfelt for me," Richards shares. "The rich vibrancy of
our Crucian culture, the love and the care of family, the Crucian Christmas
Festival, the glamour, glitz and the mouth-watering smells and tastes
of our traditional treats - the guavaberry, coquito, sweetbread and
the popular lechon - adds to the camaraderie and warmth of the Christmas
celebration."
Richards continued, "Despite the fiscal challenges faced in 2003,
I believe that we are truly blessed in the Virgin Islands. We live in
a society in which care and love is demonstrated through the incredible
spirit of gift giving to fill community needs throughout the year. As
we join family and friends let us remember that Christmas is indeed
the time of giving, sharing and caring from the heart. It is the time
to tear down walls of rancor, conflict and hostility that prevents us
from the important task of building a better and brighter future."
The Lieutenant Governor added, "I ask that you join me in extending
your prayers and best wishes to all those serving in the military in
Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay that each of them returns home
safely and soon."
In conclusion, Richards stated, "Let us not forget that Christmas
began as an expression and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ
and that it is the time of the year when we can practice with greater
reverence his teaching of faith, love and charity. As we celebrate this
holiday season, I invite all to take advantage of this joyous and exciting
time to enjoy the uniqueness of Crucian hospitality and the best of
the holiday season in the Virgin Islands."
"Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year."
