24.12.2009 

Togetherness is key to our happiness

President James Michel has sent out his Christmas message to the Seychellois people expressing his hopes for a time of love, peace and togetherness in families and across the whole nation.

The full text of his message is as follows:
 “Dear people of Seychelles,
“As families across our nation come together to celebrate Christmas, Natalie and I send our best wishes for the joyful occasion.

“For millions of people all over the world, Christmas is the best and greatest holiday. At this time of the year we have in our hearts a special place for Christ’s message of love, hope and peace.

“We should never forget the spiritual significance of Christmas. When we go to church tonight and tomorrow, during our moment of reflection at home and at work, and in our prayers, let us be thankful for the peace which prevails in our blessed country.  
     
“Our Seychellois family is built on foundations of solidarity and caring for one another. These principles are further reinforced during the Christmas period when we celebrate the spiritual values that unite us.

“At this time every December, families and friends look forward to strengthening the values that make us one big loving nation. This Christmas of Koste Seselwa is the perfect time to bring our families closer, build new friendships, promote solidarity in the communities, extend our hands and hearts further to reach those who are in need of our help. 

“My family and I are happy to share with you all the spirit of Christmas. Our thoughts are especially with the less fortunate members in our communities. They are always in our prayers. We will continue to work with them for their happiness.

“We thank all those who have spared some thought for our elderly citizens, the children in the special homes and the needy. Selflessness and generosity are what make Christmas so wonderful.

“At Christmas we recognise the extra efforts of individuals, groups, organisations and companies in care and compassion. They go out of their way every December to add to the joy of the nation.

“They are the choirs who warm our hearts with their carols. They are the offices and businesses that treat the children to outings and distribute gifts. We think of the sick, the elderly, the disabled, the children and the less privileged who always have a special place in our hearts.

“We also express our appreciation to all those who dedicate themselves to their work during the festive season to provide essential services – PUC employees, the police, the armed forces, fire brigade, the health professionals, workers in our tourism industry and many others. 

“We’ve just lived through a year of challenges and transformation. There were anxieties everywhere in the world because of the global economic situation. Happily, the worst is behind us. Our unity and solidarity as Seychellois strengthened our resolve to overcome the difficulties. We are now ready for tomorrow. We are ready for the future.

 “Let the reunions of families and friends, the laughter of the children, the generosity of our workers, the joy on the faces of the senior citizens, and the warmth that we’ve brought into the lives of the vulnerable guide us to the next year.

“This Christmas time we pray for togetherness as we continue to spread the message of love. My family and I send our best wishes to the people of Seychelles, to our compatriots overseas and visitors to our shores, for a Christmas of love, togetherness and peace.

“May God bless you all. God bless our Seychelles.”