Politicians wish for health, safety, security

GOVERNMENT and Opposition MPs on Thursday wished health, safety and security for all citizens at Christmas. They also shared some of the Christmas traditions they take part in during this festive season.

National Security Minister Stuart Young said, "I wish all citizens good health and a safe and better 2021."

Young thanked "all of those who have worked tirelessly during our management of covid19."

He praised members of the police, TT Defence Force, Prison Service, Immigraion, Customs, lifeguards and all the personnel who "have managed our border exemptions and of course our health care workers."

Young prayed that good sense and sensibility would prevail throughout the world as efforts to combat the pandemic continue.

"I personally hope our adults will exercise personal responsibility in accordance with the covid protocols and allow us to have a safe environment to get our children back to school."

He hoped to spend some quiet time over the Christmas holidays "to reflect and re-energise before 2021."

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said, "My wish for Christmas is that everybody keeps safe. Everybody enjoys their Christmas in very limited groups of people, so that we can be around to start off 2021."

Deyalsingh reiterated his advice to people to limit their gatherings over the next week.

He also thanked health care workers "for standing up to the challenge (of covid19)." He said their performance confirmed his faith "that the health system in TT was a world-class one, manned by world-class people."

His family follows many old Christmas traditions, he said.

"We always make ponche de creme at home. But this year, we made black cake for the first time."

Unfortunately, he lamented, " We can't have anybody home for Christmas. I'm kind of disappointed by that but I have to lead by example."

Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne observed that TT and the world are approaching the end of an extremely difficult year. But he said, "In the end, the essence of Christmas has not changed, and we must all do our part to ensure that this special season can refuel our reserves of love, hope and faith."

Browne declared that love and dedication are the most extravagant gifts that people can give to each other.

"Let us always bear in mind that such gifts are important all year round, and will be critical in getting us through the uncertainties of 2021."

Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales hoped citizens would let the message and spirit of Christmas bring joy and thankful to their hearts, especially during the pandemic. He also hoped they would continue to be their brothers' and sisters' keepers, seeing each other "as one common human family."

On a personal note, Gonzales said, "I'm looking forward to having Christmas dinner with my family tonight (Christmas Eve) and then to get some rest."

Minister in the Education Ministry Lisa Morris-Julian prayed for people to be responsible and stay safe for Christmas.

Morris-Julian said cooking is one of her Christmas traditions.

"Christmas Eve is is the rare occasion when I dominate the kitchen, and I am chief pastelle-maker for my sisters."

She said she learned her culinary skills "from my indigenous grandmothers, and now my daughters are even better than me."

Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal wished safety, security and peace for TT. He was looking forward to opening presents with his family on Christmas Day and enjoying seasonal foods and beverages.

"I enjoy black fruit cake and ponche de creme."

Saying he normally receives golf-related Christmas gifts, Moonilal said, "Now it's covid gifts – novel face masks and alcohol spray."

Princes Town MP Barry Padarath hoped all families could be together for Christmas.

"The only way we can do that is by continuing to observe the health protocols and spending quality time with the people closest to us."

Padarath said mass at Mt St Benedict is one of his Christmas traditions. While he was able to take his idaughter Sejal to this mass last year, he said, "As the pandemic rages on, we have been separated during this Christmas time, as she has been abroad."

Padarath left TT in March for Florida, where his daughter lives, before the country's borders were closed to curb the spread of covid19. He returned home alone in July to contest the August 10 general election.

"I personally understand what many families are going through. and I implore them to live in the love of Christ. as this too shall pass."

Fyzabad MP Lackram Bodoe urged people not to give up hope that the world will soon overcome the pandemic. He also appealed to them to adhere to covid19 protocols to protect themselves and share some quality time at Christmas with their loved ones. While he normally attends mass on Christmas Day, Bodoe said, "I am yet to decide how to maintain this tradition this year."

St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen hoped for unity amongst the population and help provided to those most in need. She planned to spend Christmas Eve distributing toys to impoverished children in her constituency.

"On Christmas Day, I plan to have a simple meal with my immediate family and get some rest."

On Boxing Day, Ameen said she planned to visit a children's home and "some elderly persons with boxes."

Chaguanas East MP Vandana Mohit hoped all families had resources to sustain themselves. Personally,she said, "Hopefully, I get to eat a hot home made hops and some baked chicken later."

Pointe-a-Pierre MP David Lee thanked God "for getting us through these difficult months in 2020."

He prayed for some return to normality in 2021 when people are not afraid to interact with each other.

"My Christmas tradition, as always, is spending the day with my small family."

But owing to covid19, Lee said there will be "no house-to-house this season."

Oropouche West MP Dave Tancoo wished for national unity to fight poverty, crime and corruption.

He added, "I am a typical Trini and usually spend Christmas Day visiting relatives and friends, playing cards and generally relaxing."