A time of difficulty, but yet a time of hope

Sunday, December 25, 2011

We feel fortunate to be able to commemorate another Christmas Day, in common with Christians across the globe who hold this day sacred for its message of peace and goodwill to all mankind.

We also have reason to be thankful that the day has found us still able to celebrate the fact of our democracy, as in four days’ time we will select a new government to lead us in this time of difficulty, but also of hope because we have a Saviour in Jesus Christ.

The past year was tough economically, but we can rejoice in the bright moments and say a word of thanks that our country is stable and that we have a foundation on which we can build a great future.

In the throes of an election, some might not want to indulge in looking at the positive things that we have achieved as a people, but we would be remiss as Christians if we did not pause to reflect and to thank God for His many blessings on our land.

Jamaica has weathered the recession of all recessions with fortitude and good management on the part of our Government. This recession has left a trail of bloodied economies from one end of the globe to the next. Economic powerhouses like the United States and Europe have been tottering on the brink of collapse.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of more serious times to come, amid fears of a double dip recession, perhaps the clearest sign yet of the battering the world has taken and continues to take.

Yet, Jamaica has been able to withstand the onslaught to the extent that our economy has grown in the last three quarters. Interest rates are holding at record lows; the inflation rate is stable in single digits; the exchange rate is predictable and most other economic indicators are pointing up.

It could so easily have been worse. The resolve of our people has been severely tested, yet we have emerged strong and resolute. That characteristic has defined Jamaicans and marks us out wherever we are, whether in Kintyre, St Andrew on the beloved ‘Rock’ or in the back streets of Kuwait in the Middle East.

As we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of our nation, it is only right that we also celebrate the solid foundation that has been laid for the future by prudent management of our national affairs. Our history of vibrant party politics must not cause us to blind our eyes to the achievements which we owe to the sacrifices of our brave people.

The signs beckoning us to a new future are encouraging. The turnaround in significant sectors such as agriculture, bauxite, tourism and the like, has been nothing short of stunning and are pointing us in the direction that we must go.

Let us use this Christmas Day to ponder our future and to recommit ourselves to the construction of a country where we want to live, love, work, raise our families, do business and serve our fellowman under God. It’s the best way that we can show our gratitude to the Father for sending us His Son over 2,000 years ago.

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GCT to go down, white rum prices going up

A time of difficulty, but yet a time of hope