Government ministers and members of parliament offered their best wishes for the festive season this week in a series of video messages.
Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, who is also Minister for Finance, Education, District Administration, Lands and Cabinet Office, described 2023 as a challenging year.
“But we can look back at it with a sense of achievement and look forward to 2024 with a sense of purpose, a feeling of hope – always hope” she said.
André Ebanks, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, and Investment, Innovation and Social Development, spoke of blessings and milestones.
He said it is a time to share joy and laughter, but acknowledged that, for some, the holiday season is a reminder of the “challenges, some significant, that we still have to overcome”.
Leader of the Opposition Roy McTaggart said Christmas is a time for “gratitude, love and reflection” and an opportunity to come together as a community.
Sabrina Turner, Minister for Health, Wellness and Home Affairs, said the joy of the season is not to be found wrapped under the tree, but rather in Caymanian tradition.
She described cool breezes, experiencing Christmas lights, relaxing in hammocks, sitting around the domino table, enjoying Christmas beef and singing songs.
“Let us look ahead with hope and optimism for a brighter future,” he said.
Dwayne Seymour, Minister for Border Control, Labour and Culture, said 2023 has “undoubtedly been a challenging one filled with uncertainty and unexpected twists”.
“But we can take solace in knowing that our heavenly father is watching over us as a people and a country and will see us through these challenging times,” he said.
Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Ports, said Christmas is a magical time “that fills us with the true spirit of Cayman kind”.
He urged people to look beyond themselves and consider those in need, to “give generously and share selflessly”.
Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Resiliency, said the way Caymanians celebrate the holidays has changed over the decades but the spirit remains.
Isaac Rankine, Minister for Youth, Sports and Heritage, said it is a very special time for year for the Cayman Islands and encouraged people to embrace faith at Christmas.
Parliamentary secretary Bernie Bush urged Caymanians to “keep the Lord at the centre of your festivities”, to reflect on blessings and cherish moments with loved ones.
Speaker of the House Alden McLaughlin said the time holds special significance to parliament.
In December 1831, Cayman established its system of elected representation and held its first meeting of the legislature at Pedro St James, he said.
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