Once again we have come to that time of year when we should reflect on God’s greatest gift to mankind — a baby born in lowly circumstances who would become the salvation of the world. As a Christian community we must not only emulate that great act of kindness by giving and sharing during the yuletide season — but all year round. Charity must not only be through material gifts — but also through conduct that is caring, compassionate and respectful of others.
For many of us it was a part of our daily instruction at home, at school, and at Church that we should be kind in thought, word and deed. And that concept is further memorialized by the late Mahatma Gandhi, that great man of peace, when he said: “Your beliefs become your thoughts; your thoughts become your actions; your actions become your habits; your habits become your values; and your values become your destiny.” So if we truly accept and believe the message of peace and salvation that this season brings, we may follow it through to a glorious destiny — an Anguillian community where everyone lives harmoniously in an environment of peace, mutual respect and understanding.
We must not forget in this atmosphere of caring and compassion to remember those among us who have lost loved ones, old and young, to natural causes; violent causes; and accidents. Their families, relatives and friends will certainly miss them during this season of fellowship — and will ponder in sadness on those memories that only Christmas can evoke. Let us put aside some of our time to make some gesture of cheer that will make a difference at this time to hearts that may yet be grieving in silence and alone. Many of us have had such experiences in the past and can share helpful ways of dealing with the emptiness that can inevitably overwhelm them at this time. On a personal level, I too have just lost a most important person in my life, my mother, who I will dearly miss, especially as our family engages in the traditional rituals that we share at this time of year. It is indeed a time of peace and joy — but also a time of reflection. It is a special time when a great variety of sentiments can attend our thoughts depending on our particular circumstances. But above all it is a time when we can truly entertain hope based on the promise of peace and salvation to all mankind.
It would also be remiss of me if I did not look outside of our insular space and pay homage to a great man of peace who departed his earthly sojourn a few weeks ago. Nelson “Madiba” Mandela epitomized those beliefs in justice and peace for all mankind that are central to the message in the Christmas story. He was a human being with his own faults and shortcomings — yet he was able to make a positive difference in the lives of the people of his country, South Africa, and indeed the world. It required personal sacrifice and an unrelenting dedication to the cause of justice even to the neglect of those he loved. We must all reflect on the life of Mandela this Christmas and in particular his forgiving spirit that has been the cementing quality of the justice and peace that he caused to evolve in his own country, South Africa. And I feel compelled at this time to quote Mandela when he said: “Courageous people do not fear forgiving for the sake of peace”. It is a quality that is Christ-like and that will serve us all well as we seek to deal with the challenges of building a harmonious society and a strong nation.
Fellow Anguillans let me endeavour to bring my message closer home for indeed Anguilla is where we live. Unfortunately, the situation on the home front continues to decline as the challenges we now face demand that we adjust our lives and manage our resources in a manner that allows us to meet the most essential requirements for life and living. Many of us will not be able to afford the additional “trimmings” that we looked forward to each year at Christmas. Already it is obvious that there are less colourful lights adorning homes and businesses to remind us of the bright stars that shone on that first Christmas morning. In fact there are many families without electricity.
There are fewer happy shoppers traveling around the island and overseas to various stores and supermarkets to get presents and other goodies. In fact there are families who are often unable to buy food and other essentials in their daily situations. There are not many families painting and decorating their homes for the season. In fact there are many families who have lost their homes and property this year. There are not many cheery office and business parties this year to celebrate the festive season with customers and employees. In fact many persons have lost their jobs and businesses are closing down. There are not many Christmas trees and stringed lights decorating the villages and communities. In fact many of the sponsors are facing their own challenges. There will be fewer bonuses and less handouts to dedicated employees and faithful customers this year. In fact many businesses are struggling to meet payroll and overheads. The sad tales go on and on.
Fellow Anguillans I have described the real situation in Anguilla that even though challenging may be addressed if we adjust our attitude, style and approach as a people. This is not a time for confrontation and incivility it is time for negotiations and mutual respect. This is time for building alliances not creating hostilities. This is the time for “burying hatchets” not “loading artillery”. This is a time for accommodation and compromise not entrenchment and intransigence. This is a time for forgiveness not vengeance. And above all this is a time for compassion and caring rather than abuse and hate. In short this is a time when the spirit of Christmas should pervade our thoughts, deeds and actions for the entire year until it leads to an environment of peace and goodwill among all our people.
So this Christmas should we be affected by any of the challenges that attend our nation in this period; should we find ourselves unable to meet our personal needs or desires for this time of celebration; should we be experiencing frustration because of hard times; or should we have feelings of anxiety about the days ahead let us be reminded that this is the season when we can refresh our belief in the promise of peace and salvation to the world through our thoughts, words and deeds. Then let us as people manage and make do with the resources we have been blessed even in these tough times and share some joy with others who may be less fortunate than ourselves. And even in this period remember our adversaries in their trials with the spirit of forgiveness of him who came to bring light and salvation that Christmas morning over two thousand years ago.
Have a blessed Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
Evans McNiel Rogers
Leader of the Opposition
