Once again as a people we embrace that time of year when our disposition, for the most part is for giving, sharing and celebration. It is an occasion when such positive and refreshing thoughts overwhelm our minds. Indeed it has become so much a part of who we are and the things that we look forward to, that perhaps we do not spend enough time to reflect on how things may be for others. Indeed how things may have been for ourselves — were it not for the grace of God.
But it is in such moments of reflection that we recognize how much we have to be thankful for and why this period must also be one of gratitude and appreciation for the many things we take for granted in our lives. For this reason, this season must be one when we 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 at Christmas time — but all year round. Charity must not only be through material gifts — but through conduct that is caring, compassionate and respectful of others. Indeed all gifts do not come in the same packaging — but the act of giving is equally meaningful and powerful when it comes from hearts filled with kindness and good intentions.
Also 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 for 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 therefore share helpful ways of dealing with the emptiness that can inevitably overwhelm them at this time.
But we must not be selfish to reflect only on the circumstances that impact our families and persons associated with Anguilla. We must remember that the entire world is in turmoil; fear and anxiety because of acts of violence and terrorism — in France; in Syria; in California; in Turkey; indeed all around the globe. And even as we celebrate the goodness of God there are those who are plotting to create misery for others — upon innocent persons — in the name of religion.
Such heinous acts remind us that we can never take for granted the kind of evil that lurks in the hearts and minds of our fellow men and women. For it was even at a time like this over two thousand years ago that Herod, the King of Judea, killed all the newly born sons in Bethlehem and the surrounding cities — simply to maintain power. Let us therefore amidst the celebration of this season find room in our hearts to contemplate on the victims of hatred and evil as well as their loved ones the world over.
This is also for our Anguilla United Front Party a special occasion. It is the first Christmas season that we are celebrating as the Government of all the people of Anguilla. By this, I mean Anguillans living in the Diaspora; students furthering their studies overseas; persons who may have been forced to leave the island for medical treatment or any such reasons; and everyone connected to Anguilla whether by adoption or marriage.
We believe, as in every other case, that our ascension to office is what was ordained and as such we accept our responsibility with humility and grace. In this context, we also understand that there will be persons who have not come to grips with that reality and may like Herod seek to reverse God’s plan. We must accept that this is a common human reaction — and as a Government adopt a forgiving spirit. As Christ has taught us — it is the only way to true peace and salvation for our island and all mankind.
The year that is closing in upon us has not been without its challenges. Indeed we came to office with a promise of hope, reconciliation and resolution. We understood quite clearly then that there would be difficult times ahead. However, we expressed the confidence that we could fix it. We have not retreated from that position.
We believe that we have made considerable progress in dealing with the major issues affecting our island and with diligence and appropriate application we will overcome. We will make a number of missteps and face a number of setbacks along the way — but in the end, with God’s help, we will bring deliverance from the challenges that now attend our island.
For more than six years our people have been experiencing a period of economic decline and for almost two and a half years our indigenous banking sector has been in a state of uncertainty and flux. The result of all of this has been the inability of many of our citizens to realize the Anguillian dream. In fact, many persons and their families may have lost some elements of that pursuit, including their homes; their land; their transportation and opportunities for health; education and a better life.
We cannot allow our island to continue along such a disastrous course. And your Government refuses to be distracted by the various voices and the several interests that seem determined to prevent us from achieving a timely resolution of these issues. We firmly believe that the urgency of resolving these issues trumps every other consideration in the national scheme of things.
In the interest of taking these matters forward this year’s budget includes provisions for the citizens of Anguilla to make sacrifices for the greater good of our people. It is based on the recognition that a strong economy is better for all of us. And that such a situation is best achieved when everyone makes a fair and equitable contribution. We cannot expect to rely on the taxpayers of other countries to bail us out. We must begin to appreciate the dignity and pride associated with the commitment to paying our own way. Building our own nation “proud, strong and free.”
Next year will also come with its own set of challenges but like the past year there will be times for celebration as well. We must continue to place our trust in him who has brought us through thus far — and will bring us through once more.
It is more than a casual statement that “the Lord helps those who help themselves”. Therefore we must continue to be apply wisdom and understanding to all our actions striving always to do the right thing even in the face of strong opposition. We believe that we have done the right thing in our strategy to bring our island back to that period of prosperity we once enjoyed. And we believe that that cannot be possible unless we go “all in” to restore stability to the indigenous banking sector.
Having put in place all that is required to achieve that important outcome — we now wait patiently on our administering power, the United Kingdom, to recognize the serious impact that further delay in implementing a viable resolution can have on our country and our people. My admonishment at this critical time is: “perfection must not be the enemy of the good!” In plain English: “we may end up with a total disaster while seeking a perfect solution”!
As your Government we also recognize that none of the foregoing can be achieved without strengthening the underlying economy. In this context, we will continue in 2016 to focus on that enterprise. It involves serious investment from both the public and private sector and the development of programs and initiatives to diversify and transform our economy. It must be our mission as a Government to live up to our promise to establish the platform and the environment for realizing the Anguillian Dream. Such can be a great blessing for our people over many Christmas seasons in the years ahead.
But let us not forget that greatest blessing of all and seek both in word and deed to show our appreciation for God’s gift that continues to be manifest in our daily lives. And may this season mean even more as we share and fellowship this year.
To all Anguillans and to all residents; visitors and friends of Anguilla — let me take this opportunity on behalf of the Government and my own family to wish you all a very blessed and joyous Christmas and continued good health; happiness and prosperity for the New Year and many more years ahead.
May God bless you all and May God bless Anguilla.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian Newspaper.)
