 The Christmas season is a time for hope. As a country, we must embrace the spirit of hope, notwithstanding the many challenges we are experiencing. We cannot give up. We must strive to make St. Lucia a better place. There are many citizens in St. Lucia in need of much care and attention. The sick, the homeless, the unemployed, the abused, and those who are near given up because there appears to be no end to the pain and suffering they have been made to endure. We must reach out to help them during this time of goodwill. Last year, in my Christmas message, I called on the government for greater engagement of the gifts and talents of all our people for the common good. But this message has fallen on deaf ears. I repeat the call for a more inclusive and tolerant society. I wish to extend my usual gratitude, the people of Castro's East, for their wavering support during the year. Your support remains my drive to serve you and the wider St. Lucia community. I look forward to working with you in the new year and to do so with even greater zeal and determination. To my fellow citizens of St. Lucia, it is my wish that we find the courage to fight for the preservation and strengthening of our institutions so that we may have more productive and fulfilling lives. 2019 will be a challenging year, but we must remain steadfast in our desire for a better St. Lucia where all citizens, particularly the poor and underprivileged, will be able to experience a better quality of life. So have a peaceful Christmas and a healthy and productive 2019. I thank you.