It has been a tough year, and if you have a little more, share with those less fortunate.
President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Dr Ronnie Yearwood, in his Christmas message, said these gestures of compassion could provide comfort for others in the community.
“As times are extremely hard for many families in our country, I implore those of you who have just that little bit more, to share with generosity and compassion. Sharing at Christmas is also a tradition that we should never lose as we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper, which is at the heart of a strong and prosperous society,” he said.
Yearwood said the DLP envisioned a country “where family and community are at the centre of Barbadian life”.
This is his message:
My fellow Barbadians,
Along with my wife Lucy and our son Solomon, and on behalf of my beloved Democratic Labour Party, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Today, as we celebrate the birth of the redeeming light of the world, Jesus, let us do so in the spirit of love and unity.
Christmas offers us the chance to embody God’s love by treating each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. As we gather with family and friends to exchange presents and savour festive meals, let us embrace the spirit of a Bajan Christmas.
I take pride in passing on the spirit of a Bajan Christmas to my son and sharing it with my wife and family, as it holds a special place in our hearts. I know many of you share this sentiment, celebrating Christmas with the excitement that comes from being with family and friends, and the youthfulness Christmas brings out in all of us.
However, we know this year has been hard for many, and in acknowledging the challenges faced this season, let us extend a helping hand to those less fortunate. I hope that all Barbadians can celebrate this Christmas with some, even if small, measure of comfort.
As times are extremely hard for many families in our country, I implore those of you who have just that little bit more, to share with generosity and compassion. Sharing at Christmas is also a tradition that we should never lose as we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper, which is at the heart of a strong and prosperous society.
Christmas is a time for hope, and my prayer is that God provides you with comfort, strength, and the promise that tomorrow will be brighter. Let us embrace the faith and wisdom found in the Book of Matthew Chapter 6, trusting in the Almighty God who cares for us and meets our needs.
Having listened to your concerns during this year, it is my singular focus and commitment to make life easier for every Barbadian. As a leader representing all Bajans, I commit to putting you, your family, your community, and your needs at the centre of a government I would lead.
Together, I want to partner and work with all of you to create a country that is prosperous again. We in the Democratic Labour Party envision a country where family and community are at the centre of Barbadian life, as I have personally seen how family and community in all its forms can be the foundation of success.
We have to get back to basics in making our country work for all of us. The Democratic Labour Party commits to providing the necessary social and economic reforms to benefit every Bajan household in a positive and meaningful way. Life in Barbados should not be this hard and must be good again for all. Not just a few. This will be the immediate priority of the Democratic Labour Party in restoring a standard of living and a way of life that we could all be proud of.
In the coming year, I look forward to hearing more from you as we shape policies to make your life easier and happier. We are dedicated to making life better for you.
I invite you to join the Democratic Labour Party family as we seek to transform our country, one person, one family and one community at a time with the ultimate aim to build a good and prosperous society.
May this Christmas be filled with joy and blessings for you, your families, and your friends.
I wish all Bajans a wonderful and merry Christmas season and a prosperous New Year.
Thank you.
