We may not as yet have felt the first cool breezes of Christmas whispering through the tamarind trees or the scent of black cake as we are only now gathering the ingredients and ‘soaking’ the fruits. However, a familiar magic is already settling over our St. Paul’s community. It is more than just the change in the weather; it is a change in our spirit. It is the stirring of a communal heartbeat that finds its rhythm in the joyous, giving traditions of Christmas.
This year, as we stand on the cusp of 2026, we have more reason than ever to lean into the season of celebration, to wrap ourselves in its warmth and to recommit to the spirit of community that has always been our greatest strength.
For generations, the Christmas season in St. Paul’s has been defined by its heart. Over the last decade, the packed halls of the Senior Citizens Extravaganza, which will be held on Thursday December 18th this year, where the wisdom of our elders is honoured with song, a hearty meal and the gift of cherished companionship. We know all too well the unbridled joy at the Children’s Christmas Party on Sunday December 14th, where young faces, alight with wonder, reminding us of the season’s pure essence. And oh how we look forward to the pulsating energy at the Christmas Day celebrations at YA-SoSo Corner and other community hubs, where music, laughter, food and fellowship become a symphony of collective merriment.
These are not merely events on a calendar; they are the living, breathing tapestry of who we are. They are powered by a remarkable engine of community love and commerce. Consider the incredible feat of our local caterers, who collectively provide in excess of 3000 meals, ensuring no one is left out. Think of the economic ripple effect, from the rental of tents and chairs to the hiring of entertainment, the purchase of gifts and the proud uniforms worn by our dedicated volunteers. This is community economics in its most vibrant form, sustaining our families as we celebrate together.
Crucially, this celebration has always had an all-inclusive heart. Our annual efforts deliberately cater to the community’s sick and shut-in, ensuring the joy of the season crosses every threshold. It is a sacred commitment that my team and I will uphold and strengthen.
This year we aim to upscale this offering. To do this, we need you. We are issuing a call for greater volunteer assistance; more hands to help, more hearts to serve. Whether you can give an hour or a day, your contribution will be the fuel that allows us to make this Christmas the most impactful yet. Whether as a server at the children’s fete, distributing presents to our sick and shut-ins, working the floor at the Senior Citizens Extravaganza, distributing toys, making errands to pick up catered supplies or simply helping to ensure the safety and comfort of our children while they have fun. There is a role for everyone.
We are also thrilled to invite every household and business to participate in our Community Christmas Lighting Competition! Let us work together to punctuate our landscape with the brilliant traditions of the Yuletide. From Liberta to English Harbour, from Falmouth to Cobbs Cross and Piccadilly, let us paint our community in a canopy of light. Fantastic prizes await the top three adjudged winners. Let us show the island that St. Paul’s shines the brightest.
As we close out 2025, we do so on a powerful note of progress. Look around and see the fruits of our shared ambitions: a refurbished health clinic in Liberta, a brand-new clinic in Cobbs Cross, continued upgrades to our community our roads, improvements in our water distribution and expanded educational opportunities. Our carefully managed yachting industry is buoyant, our sports infrastructure is growing and support for home ownership and entrepreneurial development is stronger than ever. Not to mention the palpable pride we see in the overall cleanliness of our community. For all this, we give God thanks.
Our continued progress is the foundation upon which we will build an even brighter future. I personally recommit to redoubling my efforts in our shared ambition to make St. Paul’s the most united, best managed and functioning community in all of Antigua and Barbuda.
Let this Christmas be more than a festival. Let it be a testament to our resilience, our generosity and our unwavering community spirit. Register for the lighting contest. Sign up to volunteer. If you have talent as a singer, register and compete in the WTP Christmas Song competition. Yes, our own WTP is the only local radio station to promote an extension of the catalog of Christmas songs available, with emphasis and corresponding incentives for cultural productions. Let us come together to celebrate a year of tremendous growth and to welcome a new year filled with even greater promise.
Together, let us make this a Christmas that St. Paul’s will remember for generations to come.
In st. Paul’s we plan early.
