With Christmas just one day away and the New Year rolling in within a single week, Governor-elect Kenneth Mapp issued a special holiday audio message to residents of the territory.
Mapp spoke of the virtues of family during this time of year and also asked listeners to remember the less fortunate in the community.
He went on to recognize military personnel serving both locally and off-island.
“We must thank them for the sacrifices they make for us everyday, he said. “We must keep them in our prayers and they keep our country safe and secure.”
Mapp, who will assume power on Jan. 5 at an inauguration ceremony held on St. Thomas, also spoke of the greatness and generosity of Virgin Islanders, and said they have the “fortitude to overcome any challenges.”
As he brought his message to a close, Mapp asked listeners to “look to the future with hope.”