Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
December 25, 2007 (CUOPM)
A call by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in his Christmas Message for a return to the days when each member in the society cared for and tolerant and respectful of one another and for the youths to shun negative influences.
” I urge that we reach back to the days when there were far sharper lines between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour”¦.when respect for self and respect for others was the order of the day”¦”¦.when rules and regulations played far more important roles in our consciousness”¦”¦..when we understood that there was behavior that was public and there was behaviour that was private”¦.when the behavior of every child was the concern of every adult”¦. when parents and grandparents and neighbours and strangers constantly talked to children about right and wrong”¦.when children went to Sunday school and adults were in the Sunday schools teaching”¦. guiding”¦.shaping the children – and therefore the nation,” said Prime Minister Douglas in this year’s Christmas message to the twin-island Federation.
The St. Kitts and Nevis leader made a special appeal to the church community to ensure that their services capture the appeal of young people and lead them back to Sunday school and to leading youth services so that they may lead exemplary, wholesome and productive lives.“We must reach back to the time when we were more tolerant, respectful and mindful of each other, because those habits and those practices are the bright shining star that we need”¦.the bright shining star that we seek”¦.the bright shining star that holds the promise and the power to guide us, as our nation forges ahead towards our twenty-fifth anniversary of independence,” said Dr. Douglas.
Prime Minister Douglas was of the view that there is no better way to give real meaning to the celebration of the birth of Christ than by committing “ourselves to help”¦to save”¦.and to deliver, today and every day from this point forward.”
“Those of us who feel strong and sure, must, as Christ instructs us, help those trapped in feelings of despair and hopelessness. We must identify and join those attempting to save others – for in doing so we save ourselves. And we must do all this so that we will deliver to our children a St. Kitts & Nevis where peace, and justice, and hope abound,” Dr. Douglas said.
He noted the challenges of crime and violence, especially among the young people and used the opportunity to call upon the youths to shun negative influences and practices.
“You are filled with vast potential. Our nation needs you in this critical period of its transformation. Let us on this special occasion embrace the positives by letting the Christ in Christmas dwell in each of us,” the Prime Minister urged.
He recommitted his governing St. Kitts – Nevis Labour Party to give more in service to the twin-island Federation.
“I also address you in a spirit of commitment ““ a spirit of commitment to demand more of you, and more of myself”¦..more of the opposition, and more of my government”¦”¦more of the wealthy and more of the poor, so that we may all be guided, not only on Christmas Day, but every day from this point forward in Matthew 1:23 which explains what the birth of Christ, and therefore, Christmas, really means.
In concluding, Prime Minister Douglas extended greetings to all citizens, residents and visitors and specifically mentioned the members of the security forces who are called upon to maintain the peace during this festive season.
“To those doctors and nurses who dedicate their lives to the business of health care giving and all those who provide essential services and must be at work today. We also remember as well those who care for the elderly and shut-ins in this beautiful country of ours,” said Prime Minister Douglas.