#Providenciales, December 20, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – In a world of shrinking civility and increasing polarisations; growing wealth and dying faith, quantitative measures by world bodies prescribes one size fit all solutions that mask the reality of “multi-dimensional poverty,” such as “lack of education,” “inadequate living standard,” “lack of income,” “poor quality of work” and “threat from violence.” An example is the World Bank’s definition of extreme poverty as income level below $1.90 per day. By that definition, no one in the Turks and Caicos is extremely poor and $1.90 cannot buy a loaf of bread here.
Clearly, then poverty standards are not transferable across economies and cultures. Local communities must therefore develop the capacity and compassion to build socially sustainable institutions, methods, and structures to meet the needs of the current generation and to support the capacity of future generations to maintain a healthy community balance. In that regard, the TCI is making strides, as civic-minded persons and corporations volunteer time, treasure and talent in support of programs to empower the vulnerable in our communities.
At a time when many among us have still not recovered from the ravages of recent hurricanes, and many others suffer disempowering circumstances, the personal generosity of many philanthropic individuals, corporations, NGOs, NPOs and QANGOs deserve the gratitude of all in our country. I therefore dedicate this Christmas message to those unsung heroes and heroines who exhibit the spirit and love of Christ all year round.
“Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.”
To all who have the privilege of calling these islands home or legally living within its boundaries, we have a moral obligation to be our brother’s keeper; we can make these islands the envy of the world if our contacts with each other are based on respect for the sanctity of each of us; and if we determine to develop transformative rather than exploitative relationships. “With God as our Father, brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony. “Let There Be Pease on Earth and Let It Begin With Me.”
Delthia and I, and our extended family together with the Executive, Membership and the entire PNP family, extend our love and wishes to the entire Turks and Caicos for a happy, joyous and safe holiday season. May God bless you all, and may God bless our Turks and Caicos Islands.
Release: Leader of the Opposition
