While Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Douglas, during his Christmas message noted that “St. Kitts and Nevis is at peace”, Harris had a different view as he reflected on the increase in violence that plagued the federation over the past several months.
“As we reflect on the state of our beloved country, sadness sinks in. For we cannot but recall that, 2014 has been among the most murderous years to date,” Harris said.
Harris reminded nationals and residents in his Christmas message on December 25th, 2014 that St. Kitts and Nevis is “already up in homicides” in 2014, when compared to the international record of homicides.
Harris said that in 2013, the federation ranked 8th in homicides “not in the OECS”, not “CARICOM”, but the rest of the world.
“When we consider the many families affected… by these homicides, we find hope and substance in the knowledge that there is a Christ child able to deliver,” Harris said.
Harris also pointed out that there are “limited jobs” available to young people and even “graduates are condemned to a jobless life” or to a minimum payment under PEP.
“We know our people deserve better. Let us, this Christmas, ask the Almighty God to deliver the better we deserve,” Harris said.
Harris also touched the topic of mothers whose children are “wrongfully” held without bail and are losing confidence in the criminal justice system.
“The mother whose son was shot dead by the police in suspicious circumstances, and to whom no senior public official took time to extend condolences or to attend the funeral can be forgiven if she is more reserved than usual this Christmas, Harris said.
The political figure said that the birth of Christ signified “a bright light into the darkness of our lives and circumstances” and to “deliver us from the darkness into the safety of his light”.
“Our Saviour was born the way he was born, to whom he was born; to let us know that there is hope for all people,” Harris said.