In addition to commemorating the significance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we hope that one of the rituals Jamaicans look forward to at Easter is that of reflecting on the state of the nation and the quality of our individual and collective humanity.

Although there has been no declaration from world health officials that the novel coronavirus pandemic has ended, we expect that, given our gradual return to normalcy over the past year, churches will be filled with worshippers this weekend in this great tradition.

But even as we here in Jamaica contemplate and give thanks for Christ’s sacrifice, we acknowledge that this Easter finds us grappling with the some of the problems that have been nagging this nation for too long.

We speak of physical, mental and sexual abuse of our women and children by brutish monsters, violence and cruelty meted out daily to each other, and the fact that some among us find nothing too gruesome or too chilling to give them pause to consider.

We know, though, that we can do better as a people, for we have seen evidence of goodwill among us. As such, we encourage all well-thinking Jamaicans to take a stand against the dreadful wrongs that beset our country.

Let us also use this Easter season to take responsibility for the state of our schools, hospitals, children’s homes, and senior citizens’ care, and commit ourselves to accepting that we have a role to play in our destiny as we work to build a Jamaica in which we all want to live, work, raise families, relax, do business, and prosper.

We accept that there are many people who do not embrace the Easter story, which is the central tenet of the Christian faith. At the same time, we acknowledge that individuals don’t have to be Christians to appreciate the significance and message of Christ’s crucifixion — that giving one’s life for another is the ultimate sacrifice and symbol of love for other human beings.

This concept, which also speaks to the value placed on life itself, challenges us, particularly at this time, as the world continues to battle myriad issues, among them diseases, climate change, deadly conflict between nations, hate, racism, and economic recession.

Therefore, as we worship and pray, let us spare a thought for those who are victims of the world’s many problems, the many organisations that reach out a helping hand daily and the individuals within those entities who give voluntary service because they regard as their duty the upliftment of their fellow human being.

Additionally, we pray that we all, as humans, will look to God for comfort and support in every emergency; that we will render to our neighbour every kind office which justice or mercy may require; and that all our actions will be just and fair as they are observed and recorded by our divine Creator.

Our wish also is that more people will see in the crucifixion the symbolic message of hope, courage, and compassion which, we hold, the world needs in great portions, especially at this time.

We wish all our valuable readers and advertisers across the world a Holy, safe and peaceful Easter, hoping that deep reflection and commitment to the betterment of mankind will outweigh temporal desires.