December 11, 2002

Dear Sir,

Tonight, I was driving home down Church Street, Hamilton, looking at the city's Christmas Lights, when I caught sight of the beautiful Christmas tree up on the hill, by Happy Valley Road, above the city on the grounds of the Fort - just hanging in the dark.

I have often seen this tree in other years and thought how attractive it was but on this occasion it was absolutely beautiful. It was glowing with white luminescent lights, shining out in the darkness, sending out a message to all who would see it.

I reflected a little on what it might mean to me.

In this past 15 months, since September 11, we in Bermuda have indeed been blessed. We have not experienced any terrorist acts, we have food on the table and for the most part we all live under a warm, dry roof. Certainly we have challenges but nothing like some other countries who are in a constant state of turmoil.

Our community is a wonderful place and we live in peace, neighbour often helping neighbour regardless of who they may be. Families come together at Christmas even if they are apart for the rest of the year. So in the spirit of Christmas, that originated with Christ being born 2002 years ago, a spirit of love and caring for ones fellow man, could we all pledge to look after each other next year and give a helping hand to one's neighbours and friends without thought for oneself, treating each other with courtesy and mutual respect, putting aside any anger, rudeness or poor behaviour so that our Community can really be brought together working closely alongside each other for the good of us all?

We do not know what the future may bring in 2003 but if we are together as a community then we will be able to face anything that comes. So to everyone in Bermuda, have a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

HILARY SOARES, MBE, JP

St. David's