A Jamaican Christmas

THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBE R 16, 2020 | www.jamaic a-gleaner.com | I F ELLOW JAMAICANS, It’s the season of good cheer! The high commission extends to Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica across Canada our wish for a Christmas filled with love and laughter, and a new year full of hope for a brighter tomorrow. Christmas,weknow,isthetimereserved on our calendars to surround ourselves with family, to spread joy, to express our love andgratitude, to reflect onourmany blessingsandtocelebratethebirthofJesus Christ.The season also allows us to pause and reminisce on the closing year. This will certainly be a year to re- member. We knew little, as we wel- comed 2020, of the many changes and challenges it would bring to our lives. Our world had not witnessed in a century the level of dislocation to the normal functioning of society that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. It would not be an exaggeration to MY FELLOW Jamaicans and friends, As I reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, I am reminded that it came at a most challenging time, yet it sig- nalled hope for the future. Christmas represents happiness, joy, peace and unity. It is a time to give thanks to the Almighty for His priceless gift that He gave to us over 2,000 years ago. It is a time to be generous, thoughtful and kind to ourselves and to others. This has been anunprecedented year, replete with many challenges. Yet, if we stop tocount theblessings thatweenjoy daily, you will see that we have much to celebrate and to be thankful for. We are blessed as Jamaicans with an indomitable spirit, which drives us to respond and pivot to life’s changing circumstances. Indeed, it is out of these adversities and obstacles that we birth creative and ingenious ideas which re- dound to the benefit of Jamaica and the entireworld. In theparlanceof our home- land, in theworst of times, we knowhow to‘tun wi han anmek fashion’. These intrinsic qualities are ever pres- entinourJamaican-Canadiancommunity throughout Canada. I commend you for your consistent support and duty of care for those among us who are most vulnerable, both here in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and in our beloved Jamaica. Your generosity is unparalleled and I extend my sincere gratitude to you, on behalf of our Government, the staff of the consulate-general, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). I en- courage you to continue being your brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. I know many of you yearn for a JamaicanChristmas! Of thewarmthof the island, the freedom in the atmosphere, thebountyof GrandMarket, the sumptu- ous Christmas fruit cake or pudding, not to mention the sorrel, rum punch, egg nog, amongother delights. As Jamaicans, we take theopportunity to spruceupour homes, add Christmas lights and go car- ollingearlymornings, tobring cheer and happiness inour respective communities. This year, we may not have the op- portunity to celebrate in the traditional ways with our friends and family mem- bers. Creatively, though, we can utilise technology to celebrate safely and stay connectedwith each other. So, spread the Christmas cheer vir- tually! Be a source of inspiration to others! Remain prayerful, reflective and hopeful. Mindful of our rich his- tory, I am confident that, together, we will overcome the present difficulties through our resilience and solidarity. As we prepare to enter a new calendar year,letusfaceitwithoptimismandverve. We at the consulate-general are here for you.Wewill continue toserveyouwith excellence and increase our presence in the wider community. We will also seek to expand, deepen and strengthen our partnerships with Jamaican-Canadians and Friends of Jamaica throughout the GTA, so that together we are stronger. Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may God’s richest blessings man- ifest in your life and in the year ahead! LincolnG. Downer, Consul-General Celebrating safely together MESSAGES Lincoln G. Downer, Consul-General PLEASE SEE BLESSINGS, 8 6 Reflect on our many blessings H.E. Sharon J Miller, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Canada. C HRISTMAS FEATURE THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DEC MBER 10 - JANUARY 9, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner com | CHRISTMAS FEATURE THE WE KLY G EAN R | DECEMB R 10, 2020 - JANUARY 9, 2021 | w.jamaica-gleaner.com | CHRISTMAS FEATURE