Message from Her Excellency, Governor Helen Kilpatrick, CB
Christmas Message 2013
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Christmas is a wonderful and exciting time of year.

It is astonishing to think that my daughter and I arrived here just under four months ago and already Cayman feels like home.  This is all due to the hospitality and warmth of the people of the Cayman Islands. I have been inspired, not only by the friendliness of the Caymanian people, but also by your generosity and readiness to help those in need.

It is this strong sense of community which we must focus on to carry us through the New Year.  It is the strength of family ties in Cayman which will help to tackle the recent rise in crime which we have all been concerned by. Whilst we value the excellent work of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, we must invest more in our young generation and help those who have lost their way to get back on track.

We have been fortunate to have come through the 2013 hurricane season without disruption.  We all, however, think of our Filipino community here in Cayman and the trauma they have suffered as their islands were hit by Typhoon Haiyan on 7th November.  This caused mass devastation to the communities who live there, and heartbreaking impact on those who knew them here in Cayman. It is credit to all nationalities resident in the Cayman Islands that we have seen such a generous and compassionate response to this tragic event.

It is this annual threat from hurricanes and climate change which reminds us of the vulnerability of these beautiful islands and their environments.

Overall, for Cayman, 2013 has been a positive year.  Our businesses and tourism industries have weathered the world economic downturn and are showing good signs of recovery. A new Government is in place that is focused on continuing to bring prosperity to Cayman and its people.  My hope for the New Year is that 2014 will be even more successful as we work together with Government, businesses and of course the residents of the Cayman Islands to ensure that we all continue to contribute to our community.

Christmas is a time to celebrate successes and friendships, but also to think about those not so fortunate. We must continue to look out for our neighbours, especially those who are sick or elderly, and to speak up for children who are at risk. The holiday season is also a time when we are particularly grateful to those who cannot take time off with their families because they are taking care of all of us, including medical staff, the police and the fire service.  These extraordinary people are not concerned with recognition or reward and they deserve to be given credit by all.

As we approach 2014, let us enjoy the spirit of the Christmas season and remember that respect and kindness to others will last all year round.

I wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

 

2013 Christmas Message from Premier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA

We find ourselves once again in the midst of Christmas season, scurrying about looking for that perfect gift, checking our shopping lists to make sure we have the right ingredients for that special Christmas dinner, going to, as well as hosting, parties; in other words, this time of year – for many – can be hectic and stressful.

But I want us to take a moment and slow down. Christmas is about peace, unity, goodwill toward men and for those of us who believe the scriptures, it’s about the Lord Christ Jesus.

While on Earth, Christ displayed humility, love, joy, optimism, obedience service and forgiveness.

Indeed, the scriptures implore us to be Christ-like. John 15:12 says “This is My commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you”.

I implore you this Christmas season to take that passage to heart.

Indeed, my one Christmas wish is that we in the Cayman Islands could live year-round with consideration, good will and caring for each other.

But it is at Christmas that most of us are mindful of the needs of our fellow man and the time when we do reach out to them.

I know that some people and families are hurting this time of year. Some have faced the loss of loved ones, others have dealt with personal tragedies and frankly, some people are just lonely. If you know of someone who is hurting or in need this Christmas season, who is bereaved or alone, lift them up with an encouraging word, a smile, an unselfish act. Small gifts of food, a little cash, a visit to someone who is shut in; a simple act of kindness can go a long way in helping make someone’s Christmas brighter.

I thank the charities, service clubs, businesses, groups and individuals who ensure each year that those among us who are less fortunate have a Merry Christmas. I would ask you to remember them and give thanks for both the giver and the receiver of God’s blessings.

In the Cayman Islands, Christmas was usually the time when seamen got to come home to spend time with their families and while the tradition of our men plying the seas to earn money for their families back home has died out, the tradition of family hasn’t.

It is my wish that you also set aside some time during the hustle and bustle of the season to be with your family and let them know that they are appreciated and loved, not just at Christmas, but every day of every year.

Despite the challenges we have faced over this past year, we in the Cayman Islands have much to be thankful for. God has spared us another hurricane season, our people are still generous, genteel and kind and our three Islands are indeed the jewel of the Caribbean sea.

Along with your Government, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. May the Lord continue to bless the Cayman Islands through the end of this year and into 2014.

God bless.