in deze afdeling
De Gouverneur Toespraken
Governor's Christmas Message 2011
My Fellow Sint Maarteners,
I extend, in the wonderful spirit of Christmas, joyous greetings to you near and afar.
As we celebrate Christmas and come to the end of another year, let us do so thankful that we have been granted the calm of a hurricane-free season and the serenity of living in peaceful conditions. And as we give thanks for our collective good fortunes amidst continued uncertainties and challenges globally and at home let us not lose sight of the less fortunate among us. For at home some of our neighbors have lost or face losing their jobs. While others have been victimized by crime or other socially unacceptable behavior. To all facing personal loss, as a result of these economic and social imbalances or otherwise, I offer my empathy and wish you the fortitude of the spirit of Christmas. I do so in the believe that because of the promise of the birth of Christ your challenges, our challenges are not insurmountable.
In the spirit of the gift of the birth of Jesus to the world, there is no better time than Christmas to remind ourselves of our individual and joint obligation to do good. To do so we must as individuals, corporate or public organizations and government rise above the narrow confines of our individualistic interests to the higher and broader concerns of our society. I say this based on the knowledge that the true moral fabric of our society is measured by the way we treat our citizens in general and more so by the way we care for our most vulnerable citizens; our children, our elderly, our sick, and those in need. As Sint Maarteners celebrating Christmas let us, with a warm embrace of our core values as a kind, caring, and sharing Sint Maarten people, make advancing good for all within our community our highest ideal.
As we endeavor to do so let us in our actions, reactions and transactions seek inspiration from the birth of Jesus who came into this world to show us the way of that which is noble. In doing so let us be still in our reflections, positive in our expectations and compassionate in our deeds. For it is only through our individual commitment and deeds of generosity and compassion for our neighbors in need that we can expect to build and have a happy, strong and sustainable community. A society in keeping with the spirit, traditions and values of Sint Maarten as expressed in the creed, “The Friendly Island”.
My Fellow Sint Maarteners,
Christmas, in keeping with our island’s creed, is a time to be friendly with our neighbors. Thus as we extend our hand of goodwill, fellowship and love this Christmas, I encourage you to reflect and introspect only to project this good and noble act beyond the Christmas season and into the new year. And what better time to do so than during the inspirational celebration of the birth of Christ amongst family and friends.
From Marie-Louise and I, to your family, we wish you a joyous, safe and peaceful Christmas! God bless you and God bless Sint Maarten.
The Governor of Sint Maarten
Eugene B. Holiday