This will be my final Christmas message as the Governor of Bermuda. After what will be our fifth Christmas in Bermuda, this is a bittersweet moment, but one that offers me the chance to share the deep gratitude my family and I feel for the memories and experiences we will cherish for ever.

At the start of 2024, I formally lowered the Governor’s standard at Government House until the much anticipated renovation is complete. Government House grounds, however, continue to serve as a safe and welcoming space for local youth and charitable organisations.

Programmes like the Schools Garden established in 2016 and sustained by dedicated volunteers from the Garden Club of Bermuda; and the Bermuda National Trust’s Eco-Club which started meeting at Government House in 2022 — they are both teaching young Bermudians about gardening and sustainability.

My family’s heartfelt thanks go to both organisations for their mentorship and leadership.

Over the past few years, it has been an absolute pleasure to make the grounds of Government House more accessible for community events, especially sporting events organised by Fat Tire Massive, Ocean View, the Pickleball Association, the Pacers Track Club and the Bermuda National Athletics Association.

This year, Bermuda has also marked significant milestones and events, including:

• The long-awaited return of the BMU code to Bermuda passports

• The visit from the Lord Mayor of London strengthening ties with the City of London

• Over 800 King’s Coronation Medals awarded to individuals who performed an active contributory service to the ceremonial and constitutional events of the Coronation

• The extension of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Bermuda, the first Overseas Territory to do so

• The visit of the President of the Azores, His Excellency José Bolieiro, to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Portuguese immigration to Bermuda.

This year Bermuda hosted more fantastic international sporting events. We proudly cheered on “Team Bermuda” in international competitions at home and at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, celebrating some incredible achievements.

The growing number of events hosted by Bermuda continues to showcase the island’s beauty, resilience and hospitality, and I look forward to watching more in the future. Annual events like the Bermuda Day Parade and Cup Match once again showcased the island’s rich history and heritage, bringing joy and anticipation to families across the island.

Again, this year, too many families and friends will be mourning the loss of lives cut short by senseless violence and serious road traffic crashes. So, as we gather with loved ones, let us hold in our hearts those who are grieving and those who are supporting them at this difficult time.

As this special season draws us together in reflection and celebration, I am looking forward with great anticipation to the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. For my family and I, this will involve exploration and new beginnings. I know that for you here in Bermuda, that sense of possibility will be just as keen.

As we all move forward in our different ways, I hope that we can embrace the opportunities that the new year brings with hope in our hearts, kindness in our actions, and optimism for what we can achieve.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a bright, prosperous new year.

• Rena Lalgie is the Governor of Bermuda