Christmas is a special time of year; a time to remember and recognize the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Christians from all walks of life and from all parts of the world celebrate this important occasion, when the King of Kings entered into this world as a little babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This very event displays the humility with which Jesus made his entrance to transform our lives, hearts and minds. It is therefore important for us never to forget the reason for the season; for it is through Christ’s example that we live the abundant life and have life everlasting.
The Christmas season, which closes out the end of the year, is also an important time and opportunity for reflection. This is a time to look back on 2019: our successes and failures; losses and gains; family relationships and friendships; achievements and disappointments. It is critical that we all engage in this exercise of reflection so that we can learn from our triumphs and tribulations, deepen our commitment to our values and principles and set important goals and targets for the New Year that will soon be upon us.
How has 2019 impacted your life? What life lessons have you gained through your experiences this year? What have you learned about yourself as you persevered through difficult circumstances in 2019? These are just a few simple questions to help guide you on this pathway of reflection.
This process of reflection is not always comfortable, particularly when it comes to the loss of loved ones. Therefore, I take this time to reflect on all the loved ones who have passed away this year – through sickness, disease, and tragic circumstances. At this time I wish to pay tribute to the late Wycliffe Richardson. His contribution to Anguilla’s Social Development has been monumental. We will miss his ‘perfect’ Christmas messaging and his traditional Christmas programming this season. The loss of Hope Webster, Wilmoth Richardson, Davis Smith, Kirk Hughes and others in recent weeks have hurt us profoundly. To the families who continue to grieve, my prayers and thoughts remain with you. It is never easy to lose a loved one. This Christmas season let us support all those who have suffered loss; let us comfort them and show love and caring in these dark hours.
But in this process of reflection we will all recognize that there is much to be grateful for. I want to take this opportunity to thank my husband and son and other family members and supporters who have sacrificed so much to enable me to fulfil my duties and responsibilities as the elected member of District 1 and as Leader of the Opposition. I am grateful for their unwavering support.
To my constituents who have stood with me through good times and bad times – through this political wilderness experience; I say how grateful I am to be your representative. I value your words of encouragement, prayers, participation and support. To members of staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, your contribution is greatly appreciated. To our spiritual leaders who give wise council and guidance, I express my deepest gratitude and treasure your prayers as we enter into a new year and a new chapter in Anguilla’s history.
The year 2020 brings new hope, new beginnings and great expectations. The year 2020 promises to be a year of alignment, with vision and purpose for One Anguilla. This is a time for unity not division. We must work together to build our nation. As the election season promises to go into overdrive in 2020, let us remember these important thoughts:
• One Love – Jesus admonished us to love our neighbour as ourselves. Love will always triumph over evil in every situation. I encourage all of us to love each other and demonstrate that love by treating each other with respect.
• One Anguilla – the representation of all that we will achieve. This is a message of unity. All for one and one for all!
• One Family – in Anguilla we are one family. It does not matter where you come from; rich or poor; young or old; we are all one. If we truly operate with this African Ubuntu mindset – “I am because we are” – then there is nothing we cannot accomplish together.
I want to wish you whether you are at home or abroad, a blessed Christmas. Let us take this time to show love and kindness to those who are less fortunate; cherish this time of reflection and let us prepare ourselves for the year 2020 which offers new and exciting possibilities.
God Bless You!
