Editorial
A Season and every Reason forGiving
It's the time of the year when long timeago, visitors would return to these shores for extended staysat their beach homes and long-established hotels like the GalleonBeach, the old Holiday Inn, Seaview and Coral Caymanian.
Such visitors generally brought with them gifts for their Caymanianfriends and helpers who prepared home-cooked meals for them toserve and share.
It is also a time, when traditionally, Caymanian seamen afterspending several months at sea, return laden with gifts of toys,food and household goods for their families and friends.
In modern day Cayman, an overriding emphasis on material possessionshas overtaken the true spirit of the season.
Expensive gimmicks, toys, gadgets and the latest technologicaldevices have replaced simple, yet well appreciated items, whichlasted for years and years.
With the advent of a new era of thrift being espoused by the presentgovernment, it is perhaps time for a return to the values thatmeant so much to family and friends.
Despite the materially privileged position in which some may findthemselves, it is fitting, in the spirit of Christmas and thesuccess and blessings that the country continues to enjoy, thatthey consider the less fortunate here whose lifestyles fall belowthe generally high standards of living that prevail.
In this regard, children should not be forgotten and should begiven special consideration and attention.
And then there are the aged, particularly those residing at ThePines and in other less comfortable quarters around the island,who are in dire need of not just a handout, but the comfort andknowledge that there are those who care.
One way in which corporate entities and private individuals canensure that their giving could spread the joy of Christmas isto support the efforts of the many service and community clubs,which are in desperate need of funds and volunteer help to carryout their outreach programmes.
There is no reason why anyone living in the Cayman Islands thisjoyful season should go hungry or be faced with worry, becausethey cannot feed or offer some comfort to themselves or theirloved ones.
Giving is one way of showing that this is a community of love.