Governor’s Speech Christmas 2018

WILLEMSTAD - Speech Governor of Curaçao on the occasion of the celebration of Christmas 2018.

Dear fellow citizens,

The Christmas tree has been decorated again. The nativity scene will be displayed in many houses. And the lighting is applied again both in the house and outdoors. Maybe a little less than other years; but still ... In churches, the Christmas story is told. Families come together again, and friends meet. This way we create the Christmas atmosphere together. The celebration of the coming of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ! A sense of security and togetherness.

Also, of safety and trust. Every person needs it. And the beauty is that we can give that to each other; without it costing us anything. By giving it to someone else, we also get back automatically.

That feeling of safety and security can unfortunately also be lost. For example, as a result of negative experiences, as a result of which one has become disappointed in fellow human beings or the government. Then the given trust is ashamed, and disrupt relationships.

People, therefore, decide not to participate anymore; that can occur within the family, but also within the community as a whole. If that happens to you once, then you can still get over it. But if there is a pattern of disappointment and the feeling of being excluded, then the trust is irreparably damaged. And then the society as a whole is stagnant.

That must always be prevented. That feeling is strengthened if people cannot fully participate in society. If fellow citizens miss the connection due to disadvantages in education or access to social services, this leads to displeasure and disruption. Then people no longer have hope, and they choose their own way. This feeling can also be caused when groups exclude each other for other reasons; from the idea: "now it's our turn". We now know well as a community how this can derail.

This way separate worlds can arise. A dichotomy in society. We should not want that in Curaçao.

We can all come up with reasons to explain our behavior; we say: "that's how it works in our society" or "if I do not, someone else will." But is that the way we want to live with ourselves? The mere pursuit of self-interest detracts from the solidarity we need within a community. We must assist each other in difficult times. And do not want to get the bottom out of it.

A certain moderation is a virtue; especially if we as a community need to learn to live within our means. This may also increase the support for measures that are sometimes necessary.

Let us, therefore, help each other to resist that reflex - to put our own interests first. Let us keep each other on the right path so that we do not need outside powers to correct missteps. If we succeed, then that will make us proud of ourselves. And above all, our children will also be proud of us; and we on our children. Our society will become better and more beautiful.

As parents have to empathize with their children, community leaders will serve as an example for the citizens. "The tone at the top" is often decisive for the actions and behavior of people within organizations or a community. Shifting with norms and values leads to decay. This does not necessarily mean that we comply with traditional norms and values in form; but that we keep the core of it under all circumstances. That is why reflection on our own behavior and actions is important. We have to be aware that we are still on the right track.

We can and must correct ourselves where necessary. We know that ourselves. Everyone can do that in his own way, in his own environment. I treat my children fairly and equally; how do I deal with my neighbors; it is true if I ask for favors; I take my responsibility as a director or leader, and I choose the general interest of the community or let myself be guided by the interests of my group, or only myself.

The needs in our country are great. Both socially and materially. We will have to work hard on both aspects. We must address our moral compass to walk the straight path. But if that succeeds, it also gives peace and satisfaction; peace of mind. It requires great efforts from us together to put things in order and keep them in order. But in this way, we can once again find safety and trust and security together.

At Christmas the purity and vulnerability of the newborn child are central. But as a young country, we are equally vulnerable, and we will have to watch out for our purity. In Curaçao, we are dependent on each other to further development as a country. The potential is there, but we must give each other space to develop.

Participating everyone in society offers the best guarantee that people will feel responsible and involved. On this basis, we will be able to find new security and solidarity together.

 

On behalf of me and my husband, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas. That the Christmas light may shine in everyone's heart!

H.E. Governor Lucille George-Wout




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