Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men

Christmas Message from Her Excellency, Dame Susan D. Dougan, GCMG, OBE. Governor General of St Vincent and the Grenadines

My fellow Vincentians, as we enjoy the festivities of another Christmas season, let us as a nation reflect on the spiritual foundation of the Christian faith and give thanks to Almighty God for keeping our families safe throughout 2024.

On this Christmas day, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Prince of Peace, let us reflect on what a profound and wonderful gift He has been to the world.

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 6-7

In His short life on earth, Jesus taught us how to love and forgive. During this season, I pray that we are able to have peace as we struggle with the challenges in our lives, especially health issues, financial insecurities and fear for our safety amidst the senseless murders taking place in the society.

During these times of diverse challenges of which 2024 had its fair share, Vincentians have continued to show resilience in addressing the many setbacks.

Despite the many challenges faced, we were fortunate to witness boost in several sectors of the economy. We pray for a prolonged period of calm from natural catastrophic events so that more sectors of the economy can show growth.

I am continuing to make a call to those who disturb our quiet environment to try love, goodwill and tolerance to resolve differences. I especially ask those responsible for the spate of senseless killing in our nation to use this season of goodwill to come to the realisation that crime has never been a solution for anything. Let peace prevail.

Next year, Vincentians are expected to go to the polls to elect their representatives in our Parliament. I am fully aware the contest will be competitive and may cause hurtful exchanges. I urge all parties to conduct this exercise with the highest level of respect and that the democratic process will be the winner.

My Fellow Vincentians, we recognise that the Christmas season is for giving to family and friends. I urge you to remember the disadvantaged persons among us, the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the homeless. I wish to take this opportunity to offer encouragement to all public workers who have tirelessly provided the necessary services to our nation – civil servants, police, medical personnel, development partners, business and corporate partners, the churches and community leaders are all providing yeoman service to our nation.

Those who waste time, I pray that 2025 will see some improvement in your productivity. In closing, we recognise that we need God’s love and His peace throughout the entire world to provide the unity that will make an abundance of difference in war-torn and unstable areas.

Jesus has introduced the Kingdom of Peace and we pray and hope that this peace will reign in our lives during this season and in 2025.

Mr. Dougan and I join our family, to wish each of you at home and in the diaspora a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.