OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Message to the Nation from His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards, TC, CMT,

Ph.D., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, at Christmas 2011

Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of a little child, Jesus, by name. Every child born into this

world, even without being conscious of it, has to trust parents or guardians for their protection

and general wellbeing. This necessity to trust continues, throughout childhood and takes on the

element of choice, as we grow.

In a climate of trust, we experience peace, which is the hope that we hold out when we extend to

others and others extend to us, Christmas greetings. Peace and goodwill to all men have become

words that are often heard during this season, but they convey sentiments that should become the

way of life, throughout the year, in every aspect of our interaction with one another.

If this is not so, we are missing the point of the Christmas message, by a long shot and we can

hardly rise to the level of our potential to be a caring and nurturing society.

We are offered the joy of Christmas. This goes beyond happiness, as happiness is dependent on

our current circumstances and what we perceive as our future prospects. But will we receive it?

Some of us will; many will not, because we have to come to that place where we decide to put

aside every circumstance that can prevent us from experiencing that peace that is spoken of so

much, at this time of year. This is a tall order, for tragedy has struck in many quarters, for many

of us and sadness is overwhelming.

In the Christian faith, in which Christmas is central, it is believed that a great Gift was given

to mankind at Christmas. If we can accept that, we may, regardless of religious persuasion or

even in the absence of it, consider pushing back against every kind of challenge that we face,

individually and collectively and make room for that Gift. We may well experience changed

perspectives which may even enable us to see beyond ourselves and climb out of our pits, as we

consider other possibilities. Those who are not so challenged might also make room and, if they

are willing, also resolve to see beyond self. Over time, we can develop trust, born out of tangible

evidence of human consideration. Then peace will flow.

My family joins me in wishing you joy and peace and true prosperity at Christmas and

throughout the New Year.

May God bless our Nation!

George Maxwell Richards