A Christmas Story

Winning Ticket, Winning Bond!

Twas the night before Christmas, and a crowd eagerly amassed at Delta Gas Station in Pasea, with a vague air of expectancy to await the Rotary Club of Road Town’s raffle drawing for a new 2015 Nissan Xtrail.  In that moment, everything else had been put on hold.   Family, friends, frolicking, and a mountain of “things” still to be done.   Rotarians on site sought to accommodate many hopefuls who showed up  seeking to purchase tickets before the raffle drum was closed.  DJ push pop set the mood with a mix of Caribbean and Christmas music that kept things lively.

When ticket sales were closed off, the last of the ticket stubs were folded and put into the drum which was closed and locked. The mounting anticipation was almost tangible.  The formalities and the speeches were duly dispensed with, as was the awarding of two other valuable prizes donated by major sponsor Delta Petroleum.

Then the drum was spun, and spun again by Treasurer Elvis, using the best of what remained from his old days in the gym.   The atmosphere grew tense as a young lady, who had been randomly selected from the spectators to draw the winning ticket, reached into the drum.  Stirred its contents around with her hand.  And dug in deeply before proudly pulling out a ticket and handing it to the waiting officials.

Pause. Uncertainty. More Pause. Suspense.    A winning ticket… with an undecipherable name.    “We have a winner of the new 2015 Nissan Xtrail.” announced Lime representative Kareem Nelson Hull.  He then read the winning number and waited for the lucky ticket holder to be identified.

As ticket holders in attendance and across the airwaves were still anxiously consulting their ticket numbers,  Mr. Jamieson Hopkins broke into an impromptu dance and chant.  “My car” he shouted, “Mine!” “Gimme my car, it's mine!”  as he jigged across the compound.  It was only after he had calmed down sufficiently that the raffle officials were able to verify his win.

But Jamieson Hopkins dramatic win would not end there.  While members of the crowd silently nursed their disappointment at not winning, Mr. Hopkins next move was one that captured everyone’s attention and respect.   He whipped out his cell phone and hurriedly called his mother.  “Mommy” he shouted, “I just won a car and I am giving it to you!”  “I love you and merry Christmas.  Get down here fast cause  I’m  giving it to you.”  And in case a little incentive was needed, he added ...“Hurry up before I change my mind and sell it.”

In that instant, Jamieson Hopkins demonstrated selflessness by giving back to someone who had giving him so much.   The members of the crowd dispersed, not with a new car, as they had hoped but with a wonderful story of Christmas giving to share.

President Shan, the board and members of the Rotary Club of Road Town salute Mr. Hopkins for his wonderful gesture and thank our wonderful partners, LIME, NAGICO Insurances and Delta Petroleum. We especially thank the community for their generous support of the raffle, proceeds from which are going right back into the community through various projects next year.