Kamla: Let’s use Easter to restore hope to our nation

On behalf of my family and the United National Congress, I wish everyone a happy and holy Easter.

For our Christian brothers and sisters, Easter is a time when we remember the incredible sacrifice Jesus Christ made. Like each religious observance in our nation, Easter celebrates the victory of good over evil as the resurrection of Jesus Christ represents life conquering death.

Easter can be described as a time of renewal and rebirth. The Gospels which describe the events of this holy celebration teach us that Easter signifies the renewed covenant of love from God which we must all remember in our daily lives

In essence, Easter serves as a reminder that despite the challenges which we may encounter on a daily basis, we must always have renewed hope and faith.

However, as we look at the challenges affecting our nation: the number of lives lost through violence, thousands without jobs and young people being abused, it is clear that darkness has engulfed our nation. With each passing day and each passing incident of horror within our country, our citizens are losing hope. But I urge our citizens to remain steadfast, hold on to hope and keep the faith.

As Jesus waited in the Garden of Gethsemane to be arrested by the Romans he said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42).

Easter demonstrates to us the manner in which Jesus selflessly gave up his own wishes to accomplish the desires of his father.

Similarly, we as citizens in a nation plagued by the crises of crime, poverty, neglect, underdevelopment and societal decay must give up some of our own personal desires in an effort to pursue those goals which can positively impact our fellow man.

The state of our nation calls on us as a people to act selflessly to ensure that those around us, especially the less fortunate can achieve success and enjoy prosperity.

If our nation is to achieve true development and an improved standard of living for all, those in authority must also adopt a selfless approach to governance and leadership. Those in authority must work to undertake the roles and responsibilities which they have been elected or appointed to perform in an equitable manner without seeking self-benefit.

As we approach this time of reflection and renewal, I urge the Government to undertake introspection into their many policies and projects which have caused significant hardship to our citizens. I urge them to focus their priorities on people-centred development as opposed to programs which only benefit a selected few.

My hope is that this Easter our citizens but reflect on how we can move together as one people and one nation to improve the lives of each other as well as achieve true national unity.

Have a happy and Holy Easter!