Leader of Government Business Seasonal Message

Hon McKeeva Bush

Friday,  December 24, 2004

The past few months have been the toughest we have seen in years. Our Island home has literally been shaken to its very foundations.

Not only did we live through one of the biggest storms in history, but recently we also had to deal with an earthquake that registered no less than 6.8 on the Richter scale, reminding us once again that there are powers far exceeding ours.

But we have a society that was built on solid rock and we will not be washed away. Neither will we crumble when shaken, instead, we will persevere. We will stand up and be better and stronger than ever. 

Having lived through so much, it is easy to forget that we had a life before Ivan and a prosperous one at that. So let us take time this festive season to recall some of our country’s accomplishments in 2004: We had five athletes representing us at the Olympic Games; our national flag carrier expanded its reach to include two more destinations; we opened a state-of-the-art primary school, and we made significant progress on building a new cruise ship terminal. 

Some might still shed tears when thinking of the destruction we witnessed and the hardships we endured. Many of us are still in difficult situations, having lost jobs and homes. It is no doubt going to be difficult to celebrate Christmas as we usually do, but believe me when I say that we are all working diligently to get the necessary assistance to those who need it most. Recovery takes time and however tempting we shouldn’t give in to the lure of a quick fix. To those of you who are still waiting, I ask for your continued patience; I ask for compassion and I ask for faith. 

When life does not turn out the way we planned - and this year surely took us all by surprise - quitting often looks like a sweet option. But by giving up, we gain nothing. Resilient people find purpose in our suffering.
We are experiencing an unprecedented level of cooperation between government and the private sector; we see neighbours still lending each other a helping hand; we see people sharing what they have. On weekends we also see teams of volunteers repairing and cleaning, helping those who cannot help themselves.

And after three months of toiling and planning, there are other encouraging signs: Tourism is a major wage earner for the Islands – it has taken a serious setback, but we are moving quickly working with the Private Sector to bring tourism back. Tourists are returning now - some tarpaulins are coming down and I even see some Christmas lights and decorations. But still we cannot sit back complacently for the real challenge remains: now it is time to turn our Islands back into a home. It is easy to repair visible damages to a house, but a damaged home is that much harder to restore.

A house needs smiles, laughter, and kindness before it is a home. A house becomes a home when it has a family, when it is filled with faith and the spirit of goodwill. And that is the kind of home we want our Islands to be once more.

We should not underestimate the emotional strain we have been under and we must understand that our society needs this time to heal. Take care of those around you, and to those who feel you just cannot cope – know that there is help around you. Turn to your family, friends or the counselors that are available.

Let the true meaning of Christmas soothe your worries. After all, we have the assurance that our God who sent His Son to earth for us, is greater than any disaster that could ever cross our paths. We have received the gift of life. And along with this gift we have been given a choice – whether or not we will open and use it or just sit and look at it.

It is my sincere hope that everyone will take the decision to open this gift and accept its challenges. So let us spread the joy of this gift. Let us set ourselves lofty goals for the New Year: volunteer in your community; become a Big Brother or Sister; reconcile with those with whom you have quarreled. There is much that is needed out there—and we have much to offer. 

I believe if we put our trust in our Lord, He will continue to lead us to great heights, for even as He founded Cayman upon the Seas, He will give us the strength to keep afloat. 

I wish each and everyone a peaceful and spiritual Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year!

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