MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
Hon. Philip Brave Davis Q.C.
Leader of The Opposition
MP for Cat Island, Rum Cay & San Salvador
Hello,
And Thank You for welcoming me into your home at this special time of the year.
Christmas reminds us all of the need to extend our Christian charity to each other.
It causes us to reflect how life should truly be, with peace on earth and goodwill toward our brothers and sisters.
This is the joy of God Incarnate.
The celebration of Christ’s birth reminds us to focus on caring for each other, to powerfully practice the art of kindness and helpfulness, to uplift one another, to exercise hope for the days and months ahead.
For many, that hope that comes with 2018 is welcomed following a year of changes, loss and disappointment.
It has been a tough year for those who suffered the wrath of Hurricane Irma, for those who suffered the loss of loved ones, for those who are jobless, and for those who continue to find themselves oppressed.
There is hope for a brighter day and, while 2017 was filled with challenges, we can all still bear witness to God’s divine favour on us all.
Let us, therefore, prayerfully remember our brothers and sisters stretched far across our island nation, who at this time need our love and support.
I take this opportunity to renew a call I began in October – a call to action for all Bahamians.
Not just to those who think of themselves as political, but to all of us in this country.
The work of building a better Bahamas is everyone’s job.
And, so, let us find the time to do more.
More to help those who need us, to be our brother’s and sister’s keepers.
Perhaps we can help out at church more. Lend your talents to some civic group, which gives contributions to persons who need our assistance.
Likewise, committing to being a better parent, neighbour, and friend are equally noble actions.
We can exercise our charity this season and throughout next year by becoming a mentor, teacher, nurse or aid, friend, brother or sister to someone who needs our help.
We’re all in this together.
The truth is very simple. Selfishness hinders progress.
We need to unite around shared ideals and common purpose.
We need to look out for one another.
We need to fight for the truth even when it’s hard.
This is also an excellent opportunity for me to salute the thousands of public officers whose mission continues to be building a strong community.
Your heroic efforts oftentimes bring detriment to your families. Thank you for your continued and valuable service.
Your hard work, dedication, and continued commitment to nation building provide the infrastructure for future generations. History will speak well of you.
To the great loving people of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, I thank you particularly.
Your many rich talents continue to embody the definition of hard work, honesty, enterprise and Bahamian Pride.
I am humbled by your support. I am grateful to be your voice. I am very proud to represent you.
To all Bahamians –
As we all look toward 2018, let us pause to remember those we’ve lost.
Let us reflect on their many contributions that lifted us all.
Let us also thank God for His blessing of the new beginnings that embraces us all.
As we prepare ourselves to welcome the New Year, we must keep in full view that our citizenship requires us to strive to move our nation Forward, Upward, Onward – Together. We are proud Bahamians first.
With those thoughts, on behalf of my wife Ann Marie, my children and family, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happiness in 2018.
May God Bless You All.