Christmas is for sharing and giving – PM

Skerrit

Below is a Christmas message from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Fellow Dominicans and friends,

For most of us, Christmas is the favourite time of the year. It is the time when we put away our petty little differences and interact with each other with joy, exchange gifts, sing Christmas carols and gather as family to enjoy each other as we share a Christmas meal.

The emphasis during the season is on sharing and giving.

Christmas alerts us to the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves, and many organizations and individuals make special efforts to bring the Christmas joy to them. In so doing, we symbolize the essence of the Christian understanding of Christmas as reflected in the Gospel of St. John “ God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but may have eternal life” ( Jn 3: 16).

The birth of Christ represents a supreme act of giving to humanity, the means to finding the true meaning of life and the path to everlasting happiness.

It is important that we note that God`s giving of his Son sprung out of love, a love that is selfless, all embracing and unconditional.

It is a quality of loving and giving that all men and nations on earth seek, but which they appear able to hold on to only for a short time.

Many of us get caught up in the daily hustle for survival, often busy trying to get or pursue something that may or may not be essential to us. This quest to accumulate and achieve can become highly competitive and sometimes pits brother against brother, friend against friend and employer against employee.

Christmas affords us the opportunity to slow down, take stock, reflect on the reason for the season, and to make new attempts to be lovers and givers. We may find some degree of comfort in the words of Winston Churchill which read “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.

I know that many families and individuals may think that they have nothing to give to anyone this Christmas. Such thinking likely stems from the heavy commercialization that now surrounds the celebration.

But even in the humblest of homes and among the most challenged of individuals, there is still room for a listening ear, a reassuring word, a gentle touch and the act of just being available to others. The twenty fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew drives home the point that in the final analysis what will really matter, is not how much we have accumulated, or how important we are, but rather on the extent to which we responded to the needs of our brothers and sisters.

This Christmas, let us give special attention to those who are abandoned, lonely, without a home, hungry, sick and confined to the prison at Stock Farm. Let us search out for those in our neighbourhood, living lives of quiet desperation, drowning in loneliness and mired in insecurity and depression. Our presence and sharing with them may raise their hope for better days and give them new perspectives of themselves and of the possibilities that exist for them to turn around their lives.

As the one charged with the responsibility for leading your Government, I reaffirm our commitment to continue working to create opportunities for all, to upgrade and modernize our infrastructure, to pursue means for further reducing the cost of living and to support the care of the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged.

Many of you will participate in various celebrations, both of a spiritual and secular nature. I urge you to do so with joy, but with responsibility and restraint. Remember, the person we celebrate at Christmas was a man of peace, who taught us to forgive and to turn the other cheek.

I wish each of you a Christmas filled with the presence of Christ and a New Year touched by God`s blessings.

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56 Comments

  1. artfield bristol
    December 27, 2011

    how much did MR PM give and Met yo its sit not seat.

  2. skerro everyone
    December 27, 2011

    ar eu going to be primiministe nex t year the bible say get rid of the scorners and the house willbe alright. WE WAITIN GFOR THE COURT RESULT THAT WOULD BE OUR CHRISTMAS I BELIEVE SKERRO IS HOLDING BACK THE JUDGE DECISION

  3. December 26, 2011

    ham and turky to all this yesr :twisted: :-D

  4. true
    December 26, 2011

    MERRY CHRISTMAS PM AND TO ALL DOMINICANS, EVEN THE BITTER THE ONES. LOVE AND CARE FOR YOUR FAMILIES WITH A HEART AND NOT THINKING OF WHATS IN YOUR POCKETS. JAH

  5. bee
    December 26, 2011

    DNO YOU ARE REALLY UNFAIR

  6. fil
    December 25, 2011

    PM MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU TOO. MERRY CHRIST-MAS DOMINICA

  7. CuCum
    December 25, 2011

    Merry X-Mas to Lennox Linton,GON Emmanuel Dr Fontaine and the rest of the Patriots.Love you all and God Bless You all.
    FROM CUCUM!

  8. smallbutsweet
    December 25, 2011

    A lovely message. I pray that the presence of Christ WILL touch the hearts of all Dominicans so that the back stabbing and bitching will stop and you all will work TOGETHER to create a brighter future for yourselves. You are not slaves …you ARE free in Christ. Praise God, Amen xx

  9. OB Dominican
    December 25, 2011

    you know it really hurts to view and read some of the comments that are posted by the DNO on a simple Christmas posted on DNO by the Prime Minister of Dominica i really think that this is going too F/ING far there could be no better message put together by anyonelse,in his message there was no POLITICAL influences all he is asking and seeking is to reach out to the Elderly and the less fortunate and some of these jack asses has turned it arround to a Political speech .
    I believe it is high time that we Dominicans learn to put Politics aside and build this country .Have you all not observe what is happening to D/A with the amount of rain fall with so many disasters one after the other loss of life and so many other disasters ,this is because of the HATRED and Devisiveness that is going on among our own people .a simple Christmas message, has been turned out to have so many political hatred ther istoo much of F/ING hatred in this little country

    • real possie
      December 25, 2011

      @ OB boy u mad these people heart is stone that make them, when a dominican hate u even if u walkn with GOD they still will hate u.

    • Bayside
      December 26, 2011

      Do not let your heart be troubled. Some people spend all their time and money in internet cafes going from computer to computer making adverse comments on DNO about the PM, government ministers etc and when they are done they will tell you there is no work and life is hard. I know of one person who boasts that he has over 20 aliases and can make more than 50 comments and how much “ticks” in a day. If that is how the pardnah can deal with 18 – 3 I say let him. I rather him vent his anger that way than getting dangerously physical with his perceived enemies. Political GWO PWELL not easy nuh!!!

      • real possie
        December 26, 2011

        Bayside i know thats how it goes if u check thier posts its all the same, the padna will give u 20 thumbs down.

      • ......
        December 27, 2011

        and you know that how? because you too spend your day preoccupied with people who are commenting negatively about Skerrit. Give it up. You are no better than those you seek to ridicule imaginary or real. Skerrit is the PM of the Island of Dominica not your PM or labour 18-3 PM

  10. @@2
    December 25, 2011

    wat god bless pm time up for you it doh have xmas

  11. hot vibes
    December 25, 2011

    may God blees u mr pm and your government

  12. Doc.Love.
    December 25, 2011

    MERRY CHRISTMAS TO LENNOX LINTON,ANGELLO ALLEYNE,MATT PELTIER,PAUL JOSEPH, COIPEL, BLESSING,EDISON JAMES,ATHIE MARTIN AND THE MANY PATRIOTS ON WHOSE BACKS THE BAGS OF FREEDOM ARE CARRIED ON A DAILY BASIS.THE TIME IS NEAR,YOUR WORKS WERE NOT IN VAIN.THE WALLS OF CURRUPTION ARE JUST A FEWS DAYS FROM COMMING DOWN.OH, I FORGOT,TELL ME SKERRIT WERE ARE THE JOBS FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE.

  13. stupes
    December 25, 2011

    stupes.. a set of workers alone dat on DNO :twisted:

    • BRAIN DAMAGE
      December 26, 2011

      Stupes is either one is working or one is being lazy…..

  14. DOMINICAN
    December 25, 2011

    TRY CALLING OR TEXTING ANY MINISTER OF GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND CHRISTMAS WISHES AND SEE IF THEY WILL ANSWER YOUR CALL OR REPLY TO YOUR TEXT. BUT THEY ALL HAVE SWEET TALKS IN THE MEDIA. SWEET TALKS ARE FOR KIDS

  15. drake
    December 25, 2011

    Xmas is just one day. The remaining 364 days is where we measure our humamnity and civic responsibilities.
    don’t start nothing there won’t be nothing; last year Dominicans enjoyed free turkey and ham this year we can only dream of turkey and ham.
    The country is in a mess

  16. just saying
    December 25, 2011

    it had a christmas this year nuh? must have missed it

  17. valena
    December 25, 2011

    “is not how much we have accumulated”,(LEGALLY) “or how important we are, but rather on the extent to which we responded to the needs of our brothers and sisters”

    I wish you Jesus in the coming year
    Merry Christmas to you Mr. PM

  18. BERT
    December 25, 2011

    MAY GOD BLESS YOU MY PM

  19. Candid
    December 25, 2011

    Dear Mr. PM,
    My dcan passport has expires and I am trying to get a new one but it involves a lot of red tape since I have lived out of Dca for over 10 yrs, can you speed up the process for me supplay, I am a poor dcan so I can only afford the local price.

    • FED UP DOMINICAN
      December 25, 2011

      My Dominican passport expired and had NO problem getting a new one, even after living outside Dominica for 48 years.

    • Shae
      December 25, 2011

      Poor in another man’s country. Get home!

  20. December 25, 2011

    last year christmas i visited home,I didnt like the condition in Roseau,Mr.Prime Minister something should get done,Please put proper drainage and sidewalk in the City as a Dominican I am shameful,I love my country and would love to see developments,stop wasting money an develop Roseau,Thats my resolution for 2012,MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO MY PEOPLE.

    • Stealth Critique
      December 25, 2011

      You want to see development, but is it fair to say that you are more than happy to sit idly by and simply wait for someone else to do it?

      • BRAIN DAMAGE
        December 26, 2011

        So partner, you expect DAHMAN to fix Roseau dirty drain. Where is the Roseau Mayor, Where is the Palrep… Where is DLP government?

  21. .
    December 25, 2011

    25th Dec 2010 TO 25th Dec 2011. One Full Year. Merry Christmas to GON Emmanuel and Wife.From a caring citizen.You are not alone.

  22. hmm
    December 25, 2011

    nothing to shout about, its a hypocrtical aspects in my view that statement..

    nothing to shout about..just typically spin and trickery aspects….to folks who arent current with dominica’s issues that may send them a groovy soft vibe…but the truth is there for those who know..

  23. %
    December 25, 2011

    Merry X-Mas th Mr and Mrs GON Emmanuel.One year has passed Stay Strong.

  24. Cerberus.
    December 25, 2011

    “…what will really matter is not how much we have accumulated, or how important we (think) we are, but rather on the extent to which we responded to the needs of our brothers and sisters…” You know what, I concur!
    Merry Christmas and may justice prevail.

  25. Lougaoo Mem
    December 25, 2011

    A message without an affirmation that justice must be brought to those who are involved in the attempted murder of Mr. and Mrs. Gon Emanuel, is without depth. Today is the first anniversary of such heinous crime committed on your watch, yet, those who swore to defend the Supreme Law of the land, choose to turn a death ear, in the name of protecting those privileged criminals. You Sir, as the Leader of the country, cannot be taken seriously unless you decide to persuade your Chief of Police to do the right thing. Therefore, your message remains shallow in the minds of those who cry for justice in the land.

    • t savanne/ grand bay
      December 25, 2011

      show your proof that the Government had anything to do with Emmanuel’s unfortunate circumstance…

      • Met Yo
        December 25, 2011

        Seat tight!

    • Hit the floor
      December 25, 2011

      Chief of Police (Commissioner) needs no persuading from the PM. In truth, the PM needs to let the Police Commissioner do his job.

      • eee
        December 25, 2011

        Someone confessed and admitted to have committed the crime, and for whom, his confession was swept under the carpet.

  26. dominica 4 real
    December 25, 2011

    Seasons Greetings to u Hon Skerrit
    May the coming year be a blessed one for u
    and may u continue to work for a better Dominica

  27. yes i
    December 25, 2011

    one set that getting ….some getting rich …..some getting fat while majority poor and starving

  28. hmmmmmmmm
    December 25, 2011

    come on…..shae the millions amassed

  29. ....................
    December 25, 2011

    Merry Christmas to Mr GON Emmanuel and wife.Remember last year at this time you had a horrific experience. God is the only right judge, not man!

  30. Righteous
    December 25, 2011

    Great message!! Merry Christmas to every Dominican at home and abroad. May God continue to Bless our Nation and our People. Remember; “All For Each and Each For All.”

    God Bless Dominicans and remember the reason for the season…The Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gave the ultimate gift of all….His Life so that we may live. Let us continue to share his love.

  31. laughing cow
    December 25, 2011

    Well said Mr. PM but it wouldn’t hv hurt to give ur civil servants a little BONUS!! (Yet u say Christmas is for giving) smh

    • drake
      December 25, 2011

      They cannot afford to pay base salary much less bonus

      • DANZIGER
        December 25, 2011

        C bruce,MERRY CHIRSTMAS LOVE YR PM AND LETS PRAY FOR PEACE IN THE COMING YEAR ITS THE PEACE OF GOD THAT PASSETH AWAY ALL UNDERSTANING.

  32. C. bruce
    December 25, 2011

    YOU KNOW, I CANNOT SAY WHAT I WANT TO SAY BECAUSE DNO WILL NOT POST IT.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AGAIN DNO

    • Anonymous
      December 25, 2011

      For real wi …

  33. linky
    December 25, 2011

    u do give them hungry labourites hamm this year man.

    • t savanne/ grand bay
      December 25, 2011

      the labourites have money in their pockets…do you need a ham???? :twisted:

      • Met Yo
        December 25, 2011

        which money? hahahaha…doh come here pretending. a set of allu hungry and acting it up.

    • DANZIGER
      December 25, 2011

      @ linky MERRY CHIRSTMAS WE ARE IN THE SEASON OK PUT ALL BEFF ASIDE. LETS PRAY FOR THE NEW YEAR OK HAVE A MERRY CHIRSTMAS AND A BRIGHT AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL DOMINICANS OUR PM ALSO. DONT MALPALEY PEOPLE ABOUT FREENESS HAM BECAUSE I BOUGHT TWO HAMS WITH MY MONEY I SWEAT FOR AND MY X OVERSEA NEIGHBOURS SEND ME TWO MORE HAMS SO THE TWO I BOUGHT I SHARED THEM FOR THOSE WHO COULD NOT BUY HAMS OK ONE LOVE BYE.

      • DANZIGER
        December 26, 2011

        I dont like freeness so smart i like what is mine.

    • true
      December 26, 2011

      damn stupid, you first to run if had had to give

      • DANZIGER
        December 26, 2011

        When ever I sit to eat I know its my sweat I like what is mine also I run first cuz our grand parents used to share with others thats how she raise me up so I did it the same way she taught me. GOODBYE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.

  34. T
    December 25, 2011

    A very merry christmas to you too (Mr PM) and continued blessings to the people of the Commonweath of Dominica.

    May 2012 be filled with bountiful blessings for us all.

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