Gov. John deJongh Jr. and first lady Cecile deJongh issued a holiday message Friday that acknowledged that the U.S. Virgin Islands have been going through challenging times, but calls on Virgin Islanders to let the warmth of the holiday season guide them into the new year.

"As a territory, we have had our struggles and challenges over the past year, and we have endured them as one people, united in purpose and lifted by a shared optimism for a better tomorrow," the governor said. "The holiday season is a time of renewal, of compassion, of charity and of hope. These are occasions to spend time with our families, to share cheer with our friends, and for all to revel in the spirit of goodwill that marks the season.

Among the challenges the governor alluded to were the closing of the Hovensa refinery and rising crime and unemployment rates.

The first lady paid tribute to the cultural diversity of the islands.

"To all who will be celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the New Year and Three Kings Day, it is our sincere hope that these special days are filled with many blessings and most importantly with love, for it is love that will see us through these challenging times and it is love that will keep us unified as a community," she said. "We encourage everyone to enjoy the many events that make the Virgin Islands such a special place during the holidays, from the annual tradition of the Challenge of the Carols in Emancipation Garden, to the spectacle of the lighted boat parades on St. Thomas and St. Croix, to the highly anticipated Crucian Christmas Festival."

The governor said the spirit of the holiday season could provide the impetus for a better year in 2013.

"Let us enter 2013 with the abundant warmth and positive spirit that is so unique to our territory and let us enter the New Year with the love in our hearts that will help us to make tomorrow a better day for our children, our families, and our community."

The governor also mentioned the tragedy earlier this month in the shooting deaths at the elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

"As many are aware, this year’s holiday season has been like no other. It has been a time of questions and of sorrow. The tragedy of Newtown, Connecticut has left us in shock. We offer our hopes, and our prayers, to the families and the community of Newtown."