A blessed Christmas to you all.

Christmas in Jamaica is a joyful season of delightful sounds, colours, smells and tastes. It has a special pace of living, with unique national and family traditions.

From the earliest morning, when sorrel starts brewing, to the laughter that fills our yards, to the simple act of checking on a neighbour, Christmas brings out the best in us. It is a time when we gather with loved ones and friends to celebrate the gift of salvation and hope through the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Christmas is also a time to embrace the spirit of generosity and compassion, and to extend a helping hand to those who are facing challenges. This is particularly true this year as Jamaica continues to bear the effects of the devastating Hurricane that hit our island on October 28.

I know many families are not celebrating in the way they had hoped for. Some are struggling to rebuild homes. Some are still without full restoration of basic services that we often take for granted. Some are dealing with loss and grief. We must keep each of you close in our thoughts and our prayers.

As Jamaicans, we must always maintain our national characteristic of supporting each other. These past weeks have shown the strength of our culture of generosity.

To our first responders, volunteers, public servants, utility crews, road workers, and emergency teams, you have worked long hours and carried heavy burdens, and we say thank you. To the neighbours who cooked extra food, shared a generator or Wi-Fi service, cleared a pathway, or offered solace and comfort, we are grateful and appreciate you. To our community groups, churches, and charities who moved quickly to help those who were badly affected, and to Jamaicans overseas who reached out and sent support back home, we are grateful to you. May God bless you all this Christmas.

Christmas in Jamaica has always been about togetherness. The sounds of carols and oldies floating through the streets. The smell of Christmas cake, gungo peas, and steaming pots. Children running in excitement. Families coming from near and far. The simple joy of good company, good memories, and that special Jamaican love.

So, even while we acknowledge the hardships of this season, it is important that we also celebrate what continues to make our island special, as it gives us hope. Celebrate our resilience. Celebrate our creativity. Celebrate the friendships and community networks that have carried us year after year. Celebrate the chance we now have to rebuild stronger and more united.

I encourage all of us to take a moment today to give thanks for life and for each other. If you can, reach out to someone who may be need a helping hand. Check on the elderly. Look out for the vulnerable. And keep in mind the families who suffered the hardest blows. They will need our support beyond today.

As leader of the Opposition, I stand with you. I remain committed to a Jamaica where our infrastructure is stronger, the system is fairer, and every community is safer. We will continue to push for a recovery that reaches everyone, no matter where they live.

My family and I send warm Christmas greetings to all Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora. We wish you a season of joy and comfort, with moments of true connection. May this Christmas bring peace and understanding in every home. And may we all carry the spirit of unity and hope into the new year.

Walk good and stay safe. Merry Christmas, Jamaica.

MARK J GOLDING

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION