牙买加工党领袖安德鲁·霍尔尼斯2013年圣诞致辞

Christmas Message from the Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas is the celebration “of God’s amazing grace, in that He loved each of us so much that He sent His only begotten Son as the manifestation of the way to truth, hope and redemption”.

This is the essence of Christmas regardless of religious traditions. This is the time of year when we collectively reflect on certain themes: peace and love but is also a festive time.

It is a time when we radiate the feelings of goodwill friendliness and generosity to all.

It is a time when we radiate the feelings of goodwill, friendliness and generosity to all. During this festive season however let us not forget that Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone.

There are many vulnerable persons who are at risk, our brothers and sisters who are poor and in need; the aged, the infirm, the disabled and the homeless.

As we remember the Christ child, let us remember our children.

Let us pledge to protect them from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Let us ensure that they are properly guided and educated particularly at the early childhood and primary levels of our educational system. Only then can we be assured that they will be placed in a position to contribute meaningfully to the future development of our country.

This Christmas let us hug them, show them that we care and make them happy.

On behalf of my family and the Parliamentary Opposition, I want to extend greetings and best wishes for the season to all Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Let us be happy but above all else be safe.

Merry Christmas!