CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: Live Christmas everyday- CTUSAB

The difficulties of the times which are many have forced people to alter their lives as they comply with public health regulations. Many sacrifices have had to be made, disruption to life has been suffered, families have lost loved ones and friends, while all have had to live under the threat of contracting the COVID-19 virus.

All this has thrown a damper on the accustomed way of life and has contributed to both emotional and physiological stress.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic where restrictions are imposed that limit how Barbadians traditionally celebrate Christmas, circumstances warrant that our people find creative ways to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season; albeit despite not being able to gather in person.

As Barbadian workers celebrate this Christmas ever cognizant that it is the season of joy, gift giving and the uniting of families, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), takes the opportunity to remind the population at large, of the need to live Christmas every day.

It is important that spirit of wanting to give and help others abides all year round. This is the best way that individually and collectively, we can share with those who are unemployed, are living in a state of adjunct poverty or are basically destitute.

It is important to remind all members of the community of the need for them to act responsibly this Christmas, and to do so by observing the COVID-19 Protocols of hand sanitizing, maintaining physical distancing and wearing a mask.

The actions we take will go a long way towards ensuring that Christmas can be celebrated in the traditional way in the year 2022.

While it is acknowledged that Christmas is a time for celebration, it should also be treated as a time for reflection. As the turmoil, pain, agony and suffering of the past year lingers on, it is important that as a nation, we give thanks to God for his many blessing and enduring mercies.

As the nation progresses amidst the challenges of the time, the hope and prayer of the labour movement of Barbados at this Christmas time, is that Barbadians remain resilient and strong in the time of adversity.

As a religious people, with an abiding faith in God, we can celebrate this Christmas ever comforted by the words of the Hymn’ Oh God my help in ages past,’ and in particular those of the last verse, which read: “O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, still be our guard while troubles last, and our eternal home.”

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados wishes the members of the Social Partnership and the people of the nation, God’s blessing for the Christmas Season

General Secretary, CTUSAB