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OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar urged citizens to be inspired by Christmas to rebuild in the face of the fallout from the covid19 pandemic, in her Yule message.
“Regardless of our individual beliefs," she said, "the story of Christmas has always been one of hope and faith which has offered great inspiration, comfort, and spiritual upliftment.”
She said Christmas promotes the spread of goodwill to all and represents the fulfilment of God's promise to send a saviour.
“If there ever was a year when our world needed the hope and faith, it is this year, 2020, given the phenomenal hardships and unforeseen global upheavals due to the covid19 pandemic.”
She lamented that many in TT have lost loved ones, have been displaced or lost their jobs.
“Others have been unable to return home due to the closure of our borders and the stringent policies for repatriation of our citizens put in place by the Government.”
Many measures to deal with the health crisis have fallen short, Persad-Bissessar said.
“The failure of the Government to reach many of those in need means that this Christmas meets many of our citizens in desperate need of basic necessities including medication and food.”
Let us help those we can, she urged.
“It is daunting, and for many, there is hopelessness and despair. But we are a resilient people. I know that together, we will get through this challenging period.
“Christmas teaches us that miracles, deliverance and salvation are all possible when one has faith in the will of God and trust in his purpose.”
She said Mary never questioned God's plan for her but had faith He would provide a place for her to give birth even while it appeared all the inns were filled.
“Even when Herod tried to have baby Jesus killed, it was the faith of both Mary and Joseph in God's plan that allowed them to escape unharmed.
“The lesson for us all is that no matter how tough the circumstances may become, we must always place our trust in God's plan.”
She urged all to draw upon our faith in God to rebuild, despite today’s grim circumstances.
“While our celebrations this year are strikingly different from last year's, we must be thankful for the blessing of health, and the ability to celebrate, albeit on a smaller scale.
“To the families who have lost loved ones to covid19, I offer my condolences and my prayers. It is my hope that you are able to find within you the courage to endure.”
She was hopeful for better days ahead.
“As long as we believe we can make a difference, we can steer our nation onto a better course.
“It is my hope that citizens enjoy a peaceful, joyful and safe Christmas with close family, and that you stay safe and healthy as we welcome the opportunities that may come with the New Year. May God continue to bless each of you and may God continue to bless our very great nation, Trinidad and Tobago. Merry Christmas!”
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