The older I get the quicker the years seem to roll by and the time between Christmases seems to become inevitably shorter.
While the spiritual significance of this time of year remains a constant in my life, my feelings about Christmas, what it means and why it is important have changed. Over the years, the prospects of gifts, parties and fine food – nice though these are – have become less important. But these pleasures have been more than amply replaced by the true gift of Christmas – the opportunity to spend time with family, renew contacts with old friends and to reflect on the blessings bestowed on us during the year – not least a quiet hurricane season.
Christmas 2018 for Dina and myself is particularly sweet as we welcome Dina’s parents and family to spend this special time of the year in Anguilla, perhaps the most special place in the world in which to celebrate Christmas. I know we won’t be alone in welcoming friends and family from near and far. To all who have come to share in the beauty of our island I wish a happy, peaceful and blessed Christmas. We should treasure these moments as life is short and none of us truly know what is round the corner.
For some of us though – particularly those who have lost loved ones in the year that’s just gone; those alone; or for folk unable for whatever reason to spend the holidays with their loved ones – Christmas can be a bitter sweet time. Let us remember these good people and when we can, spare a thought and word to share the joy of Christmas with those less fortunate than ourselves.
Let us also remember – and be grateful – for the service of those in our community working through the holidays to keep us safe and well; the officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force; the Fire and Rescue Service; the staff of Her Majesty’s Prison; our outstanding health professionals; those caring for our elderly; those keeping our air and sea ports functioning efficiently and safely; those who work hard keeping electricity and telecommunications running; and our broadcasters who keep us informed. Please raise a glass to them and say thanks.
In many different ways, 2018 has been a good year for Anguilla. While we still have much to do to fully restore our island and economy after the damage wrecked upon us by Hurricane Irma, we are well on the road to recovery. All of us, in our distinct roles, have played a part in this and we can look back with pride and satisfaction. Thank you for your efforts. We still have much more to do and I commit myself to working with the Government and people of Anguilla in 2019 to accelerate the delivery of repairs and new investment in our schools; health facilities and our transport infrastructure so we can complete the job we have embarked upon and together build an even stronger Anguilla.
Let me close my wishing each and every one a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. God bless us all and God Bless Anguilla.
