Calls for unity, forgiveness, and an appeal for change, are that of two political and a religious leader in their Christmas message.
“A Season of Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow” was the title of Dr. Thomson Fontaine, the leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), in his message as he attempted to strike a unifying message to the Dominica citizenry.
“Fellow Dominicans, it gives me immense pleasure to express sincere holiday greetings to all of you at home and abroad during this Christmas Season. It is my fervent hope that the Christ of Peace whose birth we celebrate at this time of year will cover every one of you in peace and love,” Dr. Fontaine stated.
The newly elected leader, continued, “At this time, let us look out for our neigbours and friends, especially the less fortunate amongst us. Let us resolve to be our neighbours’ keeper and strive to be there for each other and work together to build a better more united Dominica.”
In reflecting on the past year, he posited, that even with its difficulties he encouraged Dominicans to look forward with optimism.
In the year ahead, he vowed that his party will honour its commitment of to improving the lives and well-being of Dominicans, and pledge to continue to focus on a better more embracing democracy where the rule of law and good governance prevails.
In the interest of having a “firm democratic society” that fosters growth and development in Dominica, Dr. Fontaine averred that the UWP will continue in its pursuit for electoral reform among other matters.
“We will also continue to demand accountability for the millions of dollars in our Citizenship by Investment Program, and call for a smaller Cabinet of Ministers, as well as a reduction in wasteful government spending.”
He concluded by stating, it is therefore important during this Christmas Season for us as a people to reaffirm our commitment to a better Dominica.
“…let us be confident that if we stand united as one people that these obstacles will be easier to overcome, which will enable us to pave the way to a brighter future in Dominica.”
Political Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party, Bernard Hurtault contends that this Christmas marks another transformational in Dominica’s history.
“An illegitimate government, a failing economy, and rampant political persecution make our need for salvation and rebirth dire. Yet this is not a time for despair but for celebration as this time of darkness has ignited a new star above our nation. A star that signals – as it did to men of old – that we are on the brink of a transformational event.”
He noted however, to sustain this “starlight” and bring this moment to fruition, Dominica needs “her sons and daughters to provide to her too the same gifts of the three wise men.”
“Dominica needs us to give her the gift of gold which symbolizes nobility and prosperity. We can give this gift by demanding nobility in action and speech from those we grant the privilege to lead. We can also gift nobility by choosing new leaders who build high-performance teams that deliver results and by rejecting autocrats who disrespect, use, and discard people.”
To build nobility he said, each citizen must be united in supporting the creation of national prosperity via hard work and ingenuity versus dependency on handouts.
He beseeched, that the lack of goodwill between Dominicans at home and those contributing from abroad must also be sacrificed and abandon petty political differences among those opposed to this exploitative regime.
“These sacrifices must be made by a critical mass of us to remove tyranny for the rest of us.”
“So, this Christmas season let us all stuff the stocking of our beloved land with an abundance of these three gifts. Let a new star be born that shines brightly down on this land that we love. Let this star mark the spot of a new birth – a rebirth of a prosperous, safe, and just Dominica.”
Meanwhile, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire, in his massage which captures the vicissitudes visited on the nation and the world through in the past year noted that for some, this time of the year is reminder of the huge gap and the resulting lack that remains to be filled, in order for all of humanity to arrive at the true purpose of Christmas, “that is, the salvation of all.”
Therein lies the bitter-sweet experience of the season, the Archbishop said.
Referencing Isiah 10:6-8, he expressed that this is a true depiction of Christmas and represents the spiritual environment which Christ, who is the object of Christmas, will establish by His coming among us.
“The question for us is, how can we work together as a people to make this dream a reality,” he questioned.
“The truth is, Christmas will always remain a challenge unless the human community sets a viable agenda that will seek to achieve this goal. The festivity, therefore, serves as a reminded to us, of how much we are yet to achieve total peace on earth to men and women of good will.”
Adding, “millions are still hungry, injustice of every dimension still reigns, hatred continues to exist in our hearts and the list goes on. However, it is not all hopeless.”
Archbishop Malzaire expresses hope in humanity as according to him, there are many good actions and intentions that the reality of Christ’s birth engenders among us.
However, he notes that everyone must allow them to grow and multiply, not only during the yuletide season but throughout the year.
The full text of the messages from the pollical leaders and the archbishop will be published on Christmas day.
Political leaders and religious leaders with their rhetoric, persuasive language of convenience celebrating a religious holiday. Have we not heard this repetitive call through our lifetime on his specific holiday, and come January these words have just gone to the wind. Why is it always us as followers and Citizens who should be called upon by these leaders in their messages for unity, shouldn’t these leaders practice what they preach and be held accountable for their actions when it contradicts their persuasive language of convenience. The religious leader’s message calling for unity is a moral obligation on them to do so, the Political leader’s message calling for unity is a vested interest of Political convenience and sham.
Why do we think that all the mischief and chaos by a political agenda which the Country endured over the last months and years can be relinquished by the cheap price of rhetoric from these two political leaders.