Dear Editor,
As we celebrate this season of light, do your best to be a light to others, so that they will see better as they move about in this darkened world. It is that time again when we share cheer and gladness to those around us; when the cares of the world are pushed aside for a few moments so that we can take in and enjoy the company of family and friends, the food and drinks, the decorations strung, and the lights shining on us, in us and through us.
Light, lights, and more lights are symbolic of the needs of each of us, of our country, of the world. This past year again we have gone through many hardships and tragedies. Sickness, death of loved ones, financial struggles, job insecurity, family woes. Further away from our shores, wars and disasters great and small, natural and man-made. Every day brings a new struggle, a different threat. But we know for sure the sun will rise tomorrow; and with every sunrise also comes a new opportunity, new possibilities, for us still here to see it. Let there be light.
Our island has gone through much this past year; many families have lost loved ones; others afflicted by sickness and disease; families struggle to stay together; workers battle for their rights; businesses trying to keep their head above water; many individuals on the brink of despair and wanting to give up, our young people wanting to mark territory in order to build a future. But thanks to this season of light, we can hope again, we can refill our lives with a ton load of love, joy, cheer, happiness, well wishes, strength, and above all an abundance of faith in our fellow man and woman. No matter how hard life gets, it takes but one voice, one touch, one smile, to make the difference.
Our island also saw some positive developments in this past year. We see various infrastructure projects completed, others started, and still others being prepared; job opportunities opened up in the tourism sector; finally the pandemic has been defeated for now, although other challenges in health care persist; our democracy has been further restored with the appointment of local commissioners; agreement has been reached on further restoring full democracy after the elections of March 2023; and the year ended with the Dutch government expressing an apology for its past involvement in the Atlantic Slave Trade that affected our ancestors. Positive developments but there is still much more to be done. New challenges present themselves each and every day so the work is never done.
I do hope though that during this season of light you will absorb a sufficient supply of all the love, energy, and light around you to take you through the coming year; sufficient to preserve your health and that of your loved ones, sufficient to overcome all the challenges that may beset you, and sufficient for you to share with others and help them along. And remember too that even when your supply is used up, the Master’s endless supply is but a prayer away.
I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and prosperity and good fortune throughout the coming year.
Commissioner Glenn Schmidt
Sint Eustatius
