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| It is that special time of year!!! Joy to the world! Christmas time is for everyone, not just the kids, as some will like us to believe. It is time for thinking about the people in our lives in a special way which is characterized by love. It is that time of year when members of the Christian community are joined with the world to bring cheer to their families and friends. Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! in the many languages of the world. It is that time of year for caring and sharing. A time to take stock of what is happening in our communities and seek to bring hope to the less fortunate in our midst. As we look around our immediate environment and the world at large, we should make a commitment to help the hungry, the sick and the needy. Too many persons only remember to give at Christmas and then a whole ensuing year goes by before they remember to give again. Our world, being faced with the many problems of sustaining much needed programmes that seek to improve the well being of humans everywhere must find new solutions to support its efforts. Governments can no longer be expected to shoulder the responsibility alone and it is against this background that individuals and corporations must begin to take on their fair share of responsibility. What better time to think about how we can assist to alleviate poverty, empower people everywhere, especially our women. In the developed world, donations are tax exempt and in some cases a premium is given on your donation. While in Canada, I met with a Financial Broker who told me that this time of year they are very busy with donations where tax payers are allowed C$1.60 for every C$1.00 donated. I was thrilled at the possibilities for using these donations to bring relief to the several parts of the world where people are crying out for help to relief hunger and sickness. Today, we in the Caribbean are faced with the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is taking a toll on our resources both human and financial. There are HIV/AIDS NGOs across the region that needs our help and I take this opportunity to make an appeal to you to consider making a donation to one of these institutions in your homeland. Just a few days ago, Mr. David Singh, Chairman and CEO of Destiny Health and Wellness Inc. of one of Canada’s leading Natraceutical Companies made a donation of over 100,000 Clinically-based Multi-vitamin Capsules to the AIDS Action Foundation in St. Lucia. Visit their website at www.destinywellness.com As members of the Diaspora celebrate the Festive Season and at some point will sit down to make up their gift list if this is not already done, but even if it is so, surely it is not too late to include a donation to a charity of your choice. Going forward, looking toward 2005 and beyond, let us make a commitment to donate regularly to organizations that will bring relief to the suffering peoples around the world, beginning with those of our homeland. If we as Caribbean people begin to contribute to programmes to help our own, then others will surely join us. We must demonstrate that we care. The year 2004 has been a very good year for many, we have bounced back from 2001, the terrorists have been kept at bay for the most part and as a result confidence was restored. President Bush has got a further 4 years and seems to want to achieve much more at the domestic level than he did in his first term. There is nothing the American people can do but ensure that they get their dues and that domestic issues are given priority. In the meantime, everyone’s mind is set on the holidays, a time for exchanging of gifts, staff parties, family get togethers, eating and drinking, indulging in many things that only are available with that special effort at Christmas time. Don’t forget to buy yourself gifts that will feed your mind, body and soul. This best and easiest way to become a better person and achieve your dreams is to read books that will put you on the path to achieving your dreams, turning them into reality. I was privileged to share a few moments with Mr. Robin Sharma who visited St. Lucia for the launch of Destiny Health and Wellness (St. Lucia) Inc. on December 6. He was the Guest Speaker at the Special Luncheon and the Launch and the guests on both occasions gave him standing ovations for the knowledge he imparted. I take pleasure in introducing you to Mr. Robin Sharma, author of 7 books and one of the world’s top experts on leadership. You can visit him at www.robinsharma.com Those members of the Diaspora who plan to be home for the holidays, join the club. There is no place like home for the holidays and as the season begins to be evident, the urge becomes greater to be home for the holidays. It is time for me to wish you and your household, a Merry Christmas and may God’s richest blessings be upon you throughout the holidays and always. Keep the Faith, God is in Charge! In the meantime, Have yourself a Merry Xmas!!! Edward A. Harris Email: thenetworker@candw.lc |
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