Fellow Grenadians, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord, let us do so in the spirit of thanksgiving, peace and goodwill.

Let us remember that the reason God came to earth in human form as Jesus, was to save us, and most importantly let us make the season a Holy, blessed and festive one.

Sisters and brothers, there is no doubt that these are difficult and very demanding times for all countries in the world. Here in Grenada we have been hit by two hurricanes in less than ten months. This has made all of our lives more difficult and has created challenges that many of us did not know how to face.

However, despite these challenges we as a resilient people have been able to enlist the help of the Almighty to move our country forward.

We no doubt still have a very long way to go and our continued success in our reconstruction efforts will depend as much on the grace of God as the willingness of our people to join together, make sacrifices and work hard.

I want to compliment many of our public servants; teachers; doctors and nurses; business persons and retail workers; dock workers; farmers; police; hoteliers and hotel workers; utility workers; sports men and women; our students from schools across the country; and our journalists and media workers and all other groups who have worked hard to build this country over the last year.

Many persons in these groups have undergone tremendous personal sacrifice to build this country while others have not. I call on persons who have been leaving the rebuilding of our beautiful country to others to get on board, and work harder in the coming year.

I especially commend those who have been going beyond the call of duty and volunteering within their communities to help disadvantaged persons.

We know that help has reached many persons this year but to those of you who have not yet received help, let me assure you that Government intends to reach those who still need help in the coming year.

I therefore want to take this opportunity to thank as well, our international and regional friends who have helped us as well as the Grenadian community living abroad who have stood by us in these difficult times.

For this help in moving our country forward, sisters and brothers, we must give God the glory. And, in so doing, during this Holy Season and every day, I call on all citizens to forget bitterness, envy, and malice and embrace peace, love, happiness and forgiveness.

Let us recall Hebrews, which tells us: "Do not forget to be good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Let us also remember Matthew Chapter 5:- "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy". And of course second Corinthians 13 which says:- "Be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."

In the New Year, this Government will continue to work tirelessly with you my sisters and brothers, to bring prosperity to our beautiful country.

We will continue to "Touch Base" with all groups throughout the country so that the views of every single Grenadian are heard.

In closing, it is my great pleasure and honour to extend best wishes for a joyous and safe Christmas to all Grenadian citizens, at home and abroad.

On behalf of the Government of Grenada, and on my own behalf and that of my family, I wish you God's blessing at Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Thank you.