Dear Beloved Citizens of Dominica,
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the joyous season of Christmas, the Dominica Freedom Party extend warm and heartfelt greetings to each of you.
This time of year serves as a poignant reminder of the values that have historically defined us as a Dominican nation — friendliness, hard work, and unwavering self-determination. Regrettably a spirit of meanness, exploitation, and dependency is now settling over our land. Future generations may well perceive tales of an island once renowned for community harmony, collaborative villages, and welcoming friendliness, as nothing more than a fanciful story told to deceive.
We thus stand at a critical tipping point, where we must embark on a desperate fight to save the soul of our nation. To succeed, it is crucial to acknowledge an uncomfortable truth. The essence of the Christmas spirit lies in Christ’s power to lift us beyond our self-centered tendencies and to inspire love and compassion for those around us. Jesus also advocated against adhering to the status quo and well-worn ritualistic behavior akin to the Pharisees. He encouraged truth and harmony, even if it meant embracing new and unexpected behavior.
This Christmas then, while the current regime has undoubtedly devastated the soul and prosperity of our country, let us also examine our own dysfunctional contribution. It is imperative to ask why those of us fighting for a better nation engage in constant bickering, conflict, and tearing down of each other? This excessive time spent exposing weaknesses, instead of building on strengths, hampers our ability to form an effective response to this regime’ oppression.
So as we approach Christmas and the new year, let us commit to forming a united front to rebuild our land. We need a cohesive team capable of setting aside ego and one-upmanship, putting an end to the factionalism that plagues most Dominican organizations. Our salvation lies not only in divine intervention but also in our collective efforts on the ground. We must strive for a transformation not just in tactics but in spirit—changing how we interact with one another and utilizing our skills and talents for the greater good, rather than self-advancement or grandstanding.
Building social and organizational maturity means supporting the team wholeheartedly, even when our ideas and directives are not the ones selected. This selfless approach is our most potent weapon to secure victory. Instead of remaining in the role of mere critics, hurling judgment from the cheap seats, let us offer emotional, financial, and social support to those brave individuals confronting formidable obstacles and challenges on the sands in the arena. By embracing and fortifying these courageous souls, we strengthen our collective resilience against those who would subvert our democracy. This, indeed, is the most important Christmas present we urgently need to bestow upon each other this holiday season.
My friends. Let us take a moment to reflect on this challenge. But let us also reflect on the blessings we have received – the warmth of our families, the strength of our friendships, and the beauty of our beloved island. With these blessings we cannot despair. May the spirit of Christmas fill our hearts with hope, kindness, and a renewed commitment to supporting one another.
May the joy of the season be with you and your loved ones, and may the coming year bring prosperity, good health, and unity to our wonderful nation.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
With joyous regards,
Bernard Hurtault
Political Leader
Dominica Freedom Party
