Dear Editor,
The Christmas and New Year holiday season is upon us again. There are a plethora of reasons for celebrating the holidays besides the fact it is the biggest holiday season globally and it is a season of joy and goodwill. The season provides people with an opportunity to rest and brings people of varied backgrounds and former enemies together. It allows for harmonious relations especially at a time when there is so much conflict among different groups in our small nation.
We must stay focused on the message of the season to love and appreciate each other and to help our fellow humans and care for the pet animals.
We should think about the season in terms of uplifting our lives spirituality and materially and to show respect towards others. We should look to improve the well-being of our families as well as others around us, the wider community. It is my fervent hope that social bonding will be eternal and not just seasonal. We need all the peace and understanding among people because of the serious problems the country faces and the perennial problems of group confrontation.
The season is associated with praying especially among religious people. I pray for goodwill and the way out of all the terrible acts and criminal activities that threaten our country. I pray that all who suffer sorrow and grief due to loss of jobs, deprivation, poverty, violence, etc, may find solace, comfort and enlightenment in their lives.In the olden days, we used to care for our neighbours and people were not as selfish as they are today, even though they are materially so much better off now. People have become very selfish and think only of themselves.
We must extend special feelings and assistance to those in need, to give help to the less fortunate, to care for all. Let us not just enrich our own selves and forget about the poor. Let us turn from selfishness and deceit to help others.
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
