Christmas Message from Prime Minister Mia Mottley: A Reflection on the Importance of Family, Faith, and Resilience

Christmas Message from Prime Minister The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley S.C., M.P.

Hello, everyone. Yes. Yes. The holiday season is here, with its celebration of Christmas that is so special to all of us. We all know that there’s really no other time of the year that is quite like this one. Even the atmosphere feels different and we love it when we wake up in these December mornings and feel the difference in the breeze.

Barbadians and people all over the world, including me, are pausing from the stresses and challenges of daily life to be able to participate in this special festival that celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We’re pausing to make time for family and friends and loved ones and to reflect on the Christ Child whose birth is at the centre of this season of peace, love and goodwill.

Indeed, today, Christmas Day, as we look back on the past year, we are again reminded of what is truly important – the building of relationships and friendship, the love of friends and family, the value of the human person, extending kindness even to strangers. Joy, my friends, in the simple things of life, the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and indeed the hope for the future which we find in our faith and our religious traditions.

These enduring and anchoring values assume much greater importance this year as we come to grips with the multitude of conflicts and challenges that have tested our resilience. The ravages of the Climate Crisis require high capital costs, but the resources immediately available are inadequate. The difficulties with the supply chains and our economy still trying to recover from the blows of the COVID-19 Pandemic have led to global fears and indeed uncertainty. In the Caribbean our zone of peace appeared to be under threat. Whether local, regional or international, violence and disputes of any kind are unwelcomed and force our attention away from our development objectives, as well as the safety, security and prosperity that our people deserve.

Despite the difficulties of 2023, I genuinely believe that the future remains bright. The incidence of serious crimes has been lowered. Several major capital projects are coming on stream, new opportunities are opening up and the country remains united. The sacrifices we have made and the work we have been doing as government and citizens are beginning to yield fruit. Our work at International Advocacy is creating benefits for all here at home. The Government of Barbados will continue, always, to put Barbadians first. Working with every sector, every organisation, every political party to reach this bright future together. We will continue to share both the burden and the benefits, living with hope and living in unity.