The Tribune

A Christmas message by

BRADLEY ROBERTS

PLP national chairman

AS WE come to the end of another year and yuletide season, we are ever grateful for the many gifts that God has bestowed upon us. The gifts of life, love, family, enduring friendships and His tender mercies give us all reason to pause and give thanks.

We are especially thankful to Almighty God for sparing the Bahamas a natural disaster during this hurricane season. The Philippines were not so lucky as Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, ripped through that country leaving billions of dollars in structural damages and thousands dead in its wake. Our thoughts and prayers are with the government and people of that devastated country.

While we acknowledge that 2013 has been a challenging year for the Bahamas both socially and economically, I am confident of a brighter, safer and a more prosperous New Year as much of the ground work has been laid to propel this country forward. Our best years are indeed ahead of us so I encourage all Bahamians to remain hopeful and to be of good cheer.

To those whom much has been given, I entreat you to be your brothers’ and sisters’ keeper and spread a little holiday cheer because as it is written, it is better to give than to receive and God loves a cheerful giver. Be mindful of your less fortunate brothers and sisters and cultivate a spirit of sharing.

As you fellowship and move about this holiday season, please be ever vigilant and aware of your surroundings and ever mindful of your personal safety and that of your loved ones and neighbours.

On behalf of the office of the chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party, my lovely wife Hartlyn and our family, I wish the Bahamas a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year.

May God bless each and every one of you and bless the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.