Christmas Greetings to all family and friends, also to visitors to these beautiful Cayman Islands.

What a year 2011 has been. For some it has been a very difficult year. A lot of us are going through one of the longest recessions we have ever known. But it’s not just here – Just listen to the World News and you will hear that the United States of America, and virtually the whole of Europe are suffering every day with another crisis. Unrest, caused by worry, catastrophes, earth quakes, tsunamis and then we see those who have caused the problems, are being bailed out by the general public’s money, giving their already high paid employees the most unnecessary bonuses. It doesn’t seem fair and it isn’t. Men and women who have held jobs for years are being laid off without any pension or other means of compensation. Good hard working men and women. A  high proportion is now without jobs. They are frustrated and angry and we can’t blame them one bit. The tragedy is that the people in power seem unable or reluctant to do anything about it.

And look what has happened to our lovely Cayman Islands. So many years we have been a peaceful loving, kind and friendly people  – a place where we could wander or visit without fear. Now for some reason we have to be so careful to whom we speak or visit for fear of being assaulted or investigated. We were used to walking and visiting any and everywhere without fear day and night. Things and people have changed a lot in the past few years. Personally I have no real fear of people – not yet for I am my Father’s daughter and I look on the good side of people and I offer help where help is needed and this goes a long way. Crime, despite the statistics that do not tell the real story, is rising and we have been so conditioned to it over this year it doesn’t surprise us any more. And robberies with guns! Something we never used to hear about – retaliation killings? Is this really Cayman? Is this the country where I was born? My ancestors, the Boddens and Watlers were the first settlers here. A lot of them made this Country what it is, a wonderful place to live and call home. I almost want to cry when I see what is happening. It’s a worldwide problem, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It is years of neglect and lack of moral teaching to our young. Family life has almost disappeared. We are all so occupied with work of some sort, making money and trying to keep up with others above us on the money ladder. The silver spoon or is it the gold one now, was always within our grasp.  Our children are mostly being cared for by a nanny looking after them. We even forget or don’t take the time to talk to them. Have we ever wondered what they are really doing with their time?

I am so upset with what I am hearing each and every day – most of it I’m afraid is unpleasant. I even hesitated in preparing this ‘Christmas’ message. But it is Christmas and I believe in the birth of Jesus, Son of God and born of the Virgin Mary. Whether one believes in Him or not, Jesus’ teachings are as relevant today as when he lived over 2,000 years ago. The only way out of our present trouble is for us to make living a real blessing. Yes, you and me. Never give up. We cannot sit back and let all this unhappiness and woe destroy us. We must work together to get this country back to what it was. The most beautiful Island in the Caribbean even though we’re just a dot on the map but a people of big hearts especially this time of year.  We all have our problems and different opinions but we must put them aside for now. Our leaders should lead and agree to work together in order for the good ship Cayman’s smooth sailing into 2012.

I firmly believe that 2012 will herald in a new beginning for all of us. Again we have been fortunate in having a year of beautiful weather – a couple of Northwesters yes, but we needed them to clean up our bays and bring in the Christmas sand for our gardens. We are blessed with a beautiful blue ocean, white sandy beaches, blue skies with white fluffy clouds with just a little rain to keep our lawns green – I would say that’s okay. We’re lucky – no terrible weather at all.  And the latest news is our beaches are rated number 1 (one) in the world – how about that.

So are you ready for a jolly good Christmas? It’s the time for rejoicing and thinking of others especially the less fortunate. Remember them in your gift giving, give them a hug and tell them you love them and they’ll appreciate your kindness I’m sure. Celebrate the birth of Jesus with them. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given”. That’s why we sing the carol “Love came down at Christmas”.  Born in a manger with cattle standing by. It was a miraculous event that changed the course of history. From a manger to the cross he died for us all.  He died so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Give God the Glory for He is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. So to all of you I wish you God’s richest blessings for this Christmas and Peace and Good Will for the coming New year 2012.  Take care and have a safe and pleasant Christmas. I love Cayman, my home and family and I love you all.

God bless each and every one of you this Christmas and the New Year to come.

Go with care. 

As always Joan.