Greetings, my fellow Jamaicans!
At this most wonderful time of the year, families all around the world are brought together by the spirit of Christmas. It is the season of hope and joy, inspired by Christ’s universal message of peace on earth and goodwill to all men. As we come together to celebrate Christmas, we demonstrate the beautiful reality that, despite our differences, we are all connected by the shared common bond of our humanity.
Christmas is a time of love and happiness. We in Jamaica love to come together to enjoy the season in our own special way.
We love wi sorrel, we Christmas cake, wi gungo rice and peas, and wi fresh cool Christmas breeze.
But Christmas is not only about the food and festivities. The true joy of Christmas resides in the spirit of giving with which it comes. Many Jamaicans look forward to the Christmas treats for the children and the elderly, the food drives for the homeless….. touching the lives of our most vulnerable in a caring way. This is true spirit of Christmas.
And we give thanks for the beautification of our streets and communities, often providing some employment and a little Christmas income for many who need it most.
As you indulge in the season’s festivities, I encourage you to do so with caution. In particular, road fatalities are running at an alarming rate in our country, so please proceed with care on the road.