As every year Lesly Condé, the former Consul General of Haiti in Chicago (August 2004- May 2018) gives us a message of reflections during this Christmas period that we invite you to read and share.

Message from Lesly Condé :

"Dear compatriots everywhere,

Here we are at the most anticipated time of the whole year. Now is the time to take stock of all that we have been able to accomplish over the past twelve months. We are rightly proud of the resolutions that have been kept to the letter and the wonderful results we have achieved. On the other hand, there are again this year, verbs that we conjugate in the future. There are formal promises that have not been honored this year. They will be next year. For my part, I wish you all a Merry Christmas 2020.

However, as we celebrate Christmas in moderation, let us take the time to reflect on the meaning of this holiday. Each year, the feast of Christmas gives us the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We know under what conditions Jesus came into the world and how he lived. His life is a shining example of love, respect and compassion. That's the doctrine of Jesus Christ. It is a doctrine that asks us to love all our neighbors despite their faults since we too have our own faults. This doctrine also asks us to share everything with our neighbors within the limits of our means. A simple smile that we share with a stranger can bring a ray of sunshine to his day. This is the spirit of Christmas. If only we could keep that spirit year round.

Dear compatriots and friends, this year, my wishes for a Merry Christmas will necessarily be accompanied by an exhortation to moderation and prudence. COVID-19 has introduced a new reality that no one can escape. It is true that this pandemic has fortunately not caused as much damage in our country as experts predicted, but our diaspora communities face a truly terrifying reality. I therefore recommend the greatest caution to you; where you are. Merry Christmas 2020 to all of you in peace and security ! Whatever you do, do it with respect and always think of Haiti.

Merry Christmas to everyone ! "

HL/ HaitiLibre