Merry Christmas – There is reason to be hopeful this season

Fri, Dec 19, 2014

by The Opposition Leader and president of the New Democratic Party Arnhim Eustace

“Christmas is yours, Christmas is mine,

A feeling of joy is so divine.

So let us all rejoice and, let the voices sing,

Glory to the new born King.”

As I sat down to write this Christmas message my mind wandered to years gone by, when music, like the well known refrain above would put a special feeling in your heart when you heard it. West Indian people celebrate Christmas in our own unique way and Vincentians are known for our Christmas Spirit. {{more}}

For everyone, the season was not just about the food, the new curtains, new furniture, the general hustle and bustle. We celebrated the wonder of the birth of the Christ child, Jesus. Many recall the auntie or uncle, the grandmother, or mother, who would insist that something had to be painted at home, and that new “carpet” linoleum was carefully placed in some room. The village carolers, the house parties, and nine morning celebrations were ours to enjoy and we did.

Today, the general feeling of good will, the spirit of togetherness and that feeling of excitement which characterised the to and fro of our people, has all but stopped, under the weight of hard times, and the struggle just to make ends meet.

In spite of the hardship, and the pain that has defined these past few years for Vincentians, joy will come in the morning. Where there is life, there is hope and the next year will be critical in the life of our nation. Change is coming, and a new day is dawning. With every challenge and sacrifice that we have made, let us remember that we all enter the dawn together, Hand in hand, as one people, we must strive to shape a better life for all of us. So be glad, and hold strong to your faith and belief in a better tomorrow. May God richly bless your home and touch your hearts this Christmas season.