23.DEC.09

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

FROM HIS EXCELLENCY SIR FREDERICK N. BALLANTYNE, G.C.M.G., MD, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

As we approach the Birthday of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ with great joy and merriment, it behoves us to take some time to reflect on His life and teachings.

We are without doubt a Christian Nation, and one cannot help but be impressed that every function begins with an invocation to God as we praise Him for all blessings bestowed on us and thank Him for saving us to see a brand new day.{{more}}

However, an analysis of our day to day behaviour might leave some doubt in an observer’s mind as to whether or not we are true Christians.

Perhaps the time has come for some serious introspection as we seek to answer a few of these questions.

Do we truly love our neighbours? Or do we love some and hate a few?

Do we care about those afflicted with diseases, such as HIV and AIDS?

Are we truly concerned about the increasing incidence of unemployment and those persons who continue to be plagued by poverty?

Are we becoming a nation where violence, malice, greed and hatred are so pervasive that we view each other with mistrust and skepticism?

Do we speak at length about the many ills which plague our society and do nothing about them?

In my view, we need a change to a new or different type of society, beginning with each one of us.

For myself, I can honestly say that there is no one whom I hate, no one for whom I wish failure, no one whom I envy.

I try to love all of my neighbours, even those who dislike me or speak ill of me.

I, too, am trying to be a good Christian, hoping to set an example for my children to follow.

It is my fervent hope that for this Christmas and the upcoming New Year all Vincentians would seek to cultivate love in their hearts and find it possible to work together to build this beautiful Nation.

Let us prove to all that we are not only Christians in name but also by our deeds.

My family and I take this opportunity to wish you all a Blessed, Safe and Happy Christmas and a New Year filled with Joy and Prosperity.