“Let us pause to reflect not only on the miracle that heralded the first Christmas, but also on the obligations throughout the year to which the babe of Bethlehem summons every one of us. To be kind to one another; to share more with one another; to set proper examples for our children; to give an honest day’s work at our places of employment; to care for those obviously less fortunate than ourselves; to do unto others as we would have them do to us; to settle our disputes without resort to violence, domestic or otherwise; and to merit rather than demand the respect of those around us. These are some, only, of the obligations throughout the year to which the Christ child challenges us to rise. … As a people we are equal to it. As a people we can do it.” – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart
Christmas Day is here again, and as usual, at this time, we pause to reflect on the year that is fast coming to a close. In his Christmas message, Prime Minister Stuart seeks not only to reflect, but also to challenge Barbadians to rise to higher heights in 2012. He highlights some of the areas that have previously captured our attention in this space throughout the year. Issues such as productivity, eliminating domestic and other abuse, guiding our children along the right path, and a general return to a ‘kinder and gentler’ society are among Mr. Stuart’s wish list.
2011 has undoubtedly been a challenging year for this country in many areas, but one of the greatest factors that will determine whether we succeed and progress or fall by the wayside, is the attitude of our people.
We have acknowledged many times that our foreparents survived by dint of hard work, and an uncanny ability to ‘cut and contrive’. Yet it seems that in a rush to embrace all things new and current, younger generations (not only in Barbados), do not hold those traditions dear. There is a sense of entitlement that we need to work hard to change, if Barbados is to move forward. Perhaps it is a case of “too far east is west” – parents who might have lacked certain amenities during their youth, grew up with a determination that their children would never lack, and because everything has been presented to these children on a silver platter, there is no real concept of setting goals or working to achieve them.
All is not lost, however. We have identified the problem and it is now up to us to find and implement the solution without further ado.
Christmas around the world, even though celebrated on different days, and in different ways, has a central message of hope. Let us take that hope with us into 2012. Let us hope that employers across the island will make every effort to provide safe and reasonable conditions for employees. Let us hope that in turn, every employee will redouble his or her efforts to ensure the success of the workplace. Let us hope that economic conditions improve with our trading partners worldwide, and let us hope that our leaders will be so guided to make the correct decisions to ensure the continued growth of our country. Let us also hope that we all recognise the common goal to safeguard the well-being of our country and its citizens.
On this Christmas Day, The Barbados Advocate therefore encourages all readers to pause for a moment and commit to taking a greater stance to ensure the success of Barbados in the years to come, in all spheres.
“As a people we are equal to it. As a people we can do it.”
A peaceful, safe and enjoyable Christmas Day to all!
(Source http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=editorial&NewsID=21721)
