National leaders urge Jamaicans to be thankful

Jamaicans are bring encouraged this Christmas by our leaders to be thankful, to prepare for challenges ahead, and to assist the most vulnerable in society.

In his Christmas message, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, has urged Jamaicans to acknowledge important gifts such as love and forgiveness, which can be freely shared with others.

Sir Patrick notes that 2010 has been a dynamic and challenging year, one in which many things were done right, but also one where the country faltered.

However, he noted that Jamaicans are resilient, and should therefore prepare to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.

“I believe our reflections should remind us that in spite of the stresses of life we can survive and we can be strong. As a result of the problems we experienced, I have a deeper appreciation of our resilience and we should aspire to collectively garner from the natural, spiritual and social environment around us the wisdom of our heritage the strength of our purpose and the breath of our multiplicity,” Sir Patrick said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bruce Golding in his message has urged Jamaicans to assist the most vulnerable in society.

He says the country has faced tough economic times this year, but we must be thankful, and continue to help the young and the elderly.   

“Children are instinctively excited about Christmas, after all, Christmas is about the birth of a child. Let us shower them with love and make this a memorable Christmas for them, not just in the material gifts we give but in how we celebrate with them the true meaning of Christmas,”

“The elderly, those who infirmity makes their bed and their room the only world they see and those who must spend Christmas in hospital need to feel our presence, our helping hand and our loving spirit,” Mr. Golding said.

And Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller shares the Prime Minister's sentiment.

She has encouraged Jamaicans to use this period to help the most vulnerable groups.

Pointing out that a country is judged by how it treats vulnerable groups; Mrs. Simpson Miller said the treatment meted out to them should be fair.     

“The essential character of a nation and a people is measured by the way we treat our citizens and especially those who cannot help themselves. We must recover our sense of goodwill towards all out fellow citizens in this our homeland. We must recapture the essence of what it means to be Jamaican we must show the care and consideration that is so naturally a part of who we are as a people. We can do this and we must,” she said.