EDITORIAL: Let peace and joy reign

Today is December 1 and while the Independence celebrations have not all come to an end, as they had to be rescheduled due to the torrential rains earlier this week, most Barbadians are now in full Christmas mode.

 

Radio stations will start to belt out old and new yuletide tunes, stores will start Christmas sales and Bridgetown and the other shopping centres will become hives of activity. Persons will be looking to spend loads of money to outfit their homes and dining tables this yuletide season and to buy gifts for loved ones. But as they do so, we would wish to encourage persons to give to someone who is less fortunate than they are.

 

In the last few years the economy has experienced some challenges – taxes have increased, disposable income has decreased, some persons have had their hours of work cut, while a number of persons have been put on the breadline. Like the show of unity that was displayed on Monday with the Human Chain Link that was attempted around the island, we want to see Barbadians joining hands, figuratively speaking, with our less fortunate and helping to make this Christmas season a special one for them. Those who can afford it, have a duty to their fellowman to remember the real reason for the season and spread some Christmas cheer someone’s way.

 

This is meant to be a season of joy and peace, but there are several persons out there who will not have a joyous holiday and could do with someone showing them extra kindness. We challenge you as you do your shopping for the holiday to add some items, food or clothing, to your cart which you can donate to a charity like the Salvation Army or the Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society. Perhaps you have some items of clothing that you no longer wear that are still in good condition; maybe you have some curtains that you can spare, why not give them to someone who cannot afford those things themselves?

 

Some of us might not personally know someone who is in need, but your church or your office may be doing a Christmas drive, which you can contribute to. Even if you do not want to purchase something, donate some cash, as even a little bit can go a long way. If everyone makes an effort to show some measure of kindness, then we are all helping to ensure that Christmas does not become a meaningless holiday.

 

As noted it is a time of joy and peace and in terms of the latter this maybe a stretch, but we respectfully suggest that concerted efforts are made to bring the current impasse between the Government and the National Union of Public Workers to an end, as it has the potential to negatively impact several sectors. Take for example the situation of the go-slow at the ports of entry; if that is allowed to continue then it has the potential to affect tourism, as well as the retail and wholesale sectors, and by extension the economy.

 

This cannot be allowed to happen considering that the struggling economy is now starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. So there will likely have to be some give and take, but the various stakeholders must be prepared for that, if we are to ensure that an amicable solution is found.

 

So as the Christmas season comes, let us remember why we celebrate it and do all within our power to let peace and joy reign.