Sometimes I sit and wonder, whether there are persons out there who are seriously concerned about the welfare of the residents of Roblot and environs. If there are they surely have a unique way of showing it.
Many persons will remember the days when Lamaze and Roblot have very good cricket teams. Debreuil was tops in football. The clubs in Lamaze, Roblot and Debreuil had committed individuals who saw about the development of youth and extension the community. Where has all this gone today?
There appears to be shift in focus of today's youth. The use of drugs is on the incline in all there communities and this is reason for concern. Persons who you least expect to be users, are themselves sitting with the young delicate minds, just blowing them away. What a life!
Presently, nothing for the young people is happening at any of the communities, though Lamaze has some programs bent of development of skills for the youth. Roblot's RDC has not been functional since May 6, last year, and Debreuil stays afloat with their seasonal participation in the local footbal competition. That's definitely not enough.
It is to be understood that the Community Development Officer (CDO) appointed by the Ministry of Ssocial Transformation, should take the lead in helping these communities achieve their dream. (If they have one) this blog has not seen the CDO in these parts for a little over two years. Therefore where is the assistance which he (CDO) is trained to provide?
Then there comes the Constituency Council who is responsible for the upliftment of standards, be it in physical or human. One can appreciate that Roblot has a representative on that Council, but the question which goes a begging, is, what effort is he putting to see an improvement in lives throughout these three communities?
These communities will recall that the Council met the residents early in 2012, and nothing fruitful has come out of this.
I would not be doing justice to the cause if our Rep was not mentioned here. Clearly one will have to admit that little if any attention has been given by the Rep to these three communities. The Roblot Resoure Centre is in a deplorable state. The multi-purpose court ineeds urgent attention and our young minds are without the access of the services of a library.
Suffice it to say, nothing specific for Roblot, Lamaze or Debreuil was mentioned in this year's estimates. So another year of nothing happening in these communities. However, the Rep has confessed that he will make himself more visible this financial year so it is hope that even at a townhall meeting the needs of the communities can be brought to his attention.
In closing, the poor state of affairs with regards to youth development must squarely place on the shoulders of those non committed persons who have allowed things to deteorate to this level. Surely our young persons have paid the price.
Dedan Christiani Griffith Jn Baptiste
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Lorne aplogizes to Choiseulians
At exactly 11:15am the our Parliamentary Rep stood up to deliver his presentation to this financial year's estimates of expenditure.
With a frown, characteristic of him, and which seem to have been pasted on his forehead throughout his presentation, he began by apologizing to his constituents for his poor showing in the constituency and vowed, "This will never happen again."
Lorne displayed quite a level of confidence this time around, though I thought sometimes that his demeanor may be carrying him overboard, and boy, that frown.
He took a heavy swipe at the former tourism minister for his largese at using the island's financies. He in more ways than one explained how his ministry is doing a lot better that the former tourism ministry- visitor arrivals up, cruise ship arrivals up etc.
This post will pay more attention to the Rep's last 15 minutes which he dedicated to his Constituency.
He boasts of in spite of his prolonged absence he has a strong Costituency group in place. In point form he made these disclosures:
NICE: 49 persons were employed and has paid up about $629,000.
STEP: 1294 persons employed
SMALL PROJECTS: 43 small contractors were employed. 172 workers and approximately $1.4m paid. ( Was Satney on of these contractors or was he heading the whole program?)
STIMULUS PACKAGE: 34 persons were employed at a cost of $115,000.
He went on the state that the Piaye playing field will be upgraded to a premier Cricket facility under the Constituency Development program. ( Have he forgotten the lighting for the La Fargue playing field?)
With $2m allocated for bridges he hopes that the Devil's Bridge (Pon George) will receive attention this financial year. He also made a case for at least the Jetrine or Daban bridge to be given attention.
The deplorable state of the Park Estate, Fiette, and Balca road was mentioned and the Rep is hoping to give relief to the residents by addressing these roads with funds from CDP and the Ministry of infrastructure. He continued by saying that drainage works have already begun on these roads (not Park Estate for sure)
He concluded by giving kudos to the Constituency Council whom he said is not at the behest, or fuel the agenda of the Rep, as if to suggest that was a thing of the past.
In closing he promise to be more visible throughout the constituency. Time alone will tell. A politician's promise?
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel
With a frown, characteristic of him, and which seem to have been pasted on his forehead throughout his presentation, he began by apologizing to his constituents for his poor showing in the constituency and vowed, "This will never happen again."
Lorne displayed quite a level of confidence this time around, though I thought sometimes that his demeanor may be carrying him overboard, and boy, that frown.
He took a heavy swipe at the former tourism minister for his largese at using the island's financies. He in more ways than one explained how his ministry is doing a lot better that the former tourism ministry- visitor arrivals up, cruise ship arrivals up etc.
This post will pay more attention to the Rep's last 15 minutes which he dedicated to his Constituency.
He boasts of in spite of his prolonged absence he has a strong Costituency group in place. In point form he made these disclosures:
NICE: 49 persons were employed and has paid up about $629,000.
STEP: 1294 persons employed
SMALL PROJECTS: 43 small contractors were employed. 172 workers and approximately $1.4m paid. ( Was Satney on of these contractors or was he heading the whole program?)
STIMULUS PACKAGE: 34 persons were employed at a cost of $115,000.
He went on the state that the Piaye playing field will be upgraded to a premier Cricket facility under the Constituency Development program. ( Have he forgotten the lighting for the La Fargue playing field?)
With $2m allocated for bridges he hopes that the Devil's Bridge (Pon George) will receive attention this financial year. He also made a case for at least the Jetrine or Daban bridge to be given attention.
The deplorable state of the Park Estate, Fiette, and Balca road was mentioned and the Rep is hoping to give relief to the residents by addressing these roads with funds from CDP and the Ministry of infrastructure. He continued by saying that drainage works have already begun on these roads (not Park Estate for sure)
He concluded by giving kudos to the Constituency Council whom he said is not at the behest, or fuel the agenda of the Rep, as if to suggest that was a thing of the past.
In closing he promise to be more visible throughout the constituency. Time alone will tell. A politician's promise?
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Will Chastnet be UWP's new leader?
UWPs islandwide are busy putting their Constituency Branches in order before the Convention which is due sometime around July this year. This is a formality which seem to only matter to the Party whenever some convention is due. Remember that same process just befor the last one which was held in Canaries? These elections of executives per branch is necessary to effect the selection of delegates who will have the authority to vote in or out persons for the General Executive.
Last weekend both Choiseul and Babonneau elected their executives. Bravo to the Choiseul Branch for electing a seasoned past politcian and political analyst, in the person of Brian Charles to the team. He, this blog is sure will provide the proper direction and leadership so often lacking in the political circles locally.
At that convention, thiis blog understands that major positions on the Part's executive will be filled, including that of the political leader. Chastnet and Montoute have given wind that they will contest the position. Rigobert has categorically denied that she will throw her hat in the ring. Presently King is the political leader and leader of the opposition in parliament.
Chastnet has been getting lots of support from within the party as well as outside. Many seem to think that he will make a good leader, though Frederick refutes this condemning Chastnet's largese with money. This blog was taken aback by Fredo's comments. Is he bent on dividing the party even more, when this is the time when unity should be the key word here? Where is Fredo's concept of democracy? Is there something that he Fredo is scared of if Chastnet becomes leader? This blog thinks that Fredo was really out of place to spill his guts out like this to Tv land. All the other party members that were interviewed were more level-headed than Fredo. But Arsene made a very good point, "You (Chastnet) have to win your seat to become leader." ( By the way will Arsene hand over his seat to Allen? But wait isn't Sarah looking at that seat as well?) Turbulent times seem on the horizon for the party.
Montoute's bid to my mind is more academic than anything else. But one must remember that Compy bypassed him to give the leadership to King. Now he faces the people to tell him whether they want him to lead the party or not.
King the present leader and past PM has gotten sticks from every single member of his cabinet while in government, Bruce Tucker being the most vocal. It was rumored that Bruce and Fredo had King by the balls. King is a very conservative leader and could effect the necessary changes needed to put this country on track PROVIDED he has a good team.
At the convention delegates must be wary of their executive who may try to influence their votes. During the upcoming months one should see an increase I campaigning by the candidates for leader of the party.
In closing, while a couple of Government Ministers seem to make a mockery of Chastnet's bid for the leadership of UWP, not far off on the horizon will be their nightmare and confusion when the election of a successor to Kenny will be on the cards. Filmed at 11!
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel
Last weekend both Choiseul and Babonneau elected their executives. Bravo to the Choiseul Branch for electing a seasoned past politcian and political analyst, in the person of Brian Charles to the team. He, this blog is sure will provide the proper direction and leadership so often lacking in the political circles locally.
At that convention, thiis blog understands that major positions on the Part's executive will be filled, including that of the political leader. Chastnet and Montoute have given wind that they will contest the position. Rigobert has categorically denied that she will throw her hat in the ring. Presently King is the political leader and leader of the opposition in parliament.
Chastnet has been getting lots of support from within the party as well as outside. Many seem to think that he will make a good leader, though Frederick refutes this condemning Chastnet's largese with money. This blog was taken aback by Fredo's comments. Is he bent on dividing the party even more, when this is the time when unity should be the key word here? Where is Fredo's concept of democracy? Is there something that he Fredo is scared of if Chastnet becomes leader? This blog thinks that Fredo was really out of place to spill his guts out like this to Tv land. All the other party members that were interviewed were more level-headed than Fredo. But Arsene made a very good point, "You (Chastnet) have to win your seat to become leader." ( By the way will Arsene hand over his seat to Allen? But wait isn't Sarah looking at that seat as well?) Turbulent times seem on the horizon for the party.
Montoute's bid to my mind is more academic than anything else. But one must remember that Compy bypassed him to give the leadership to King. Now he faces the people to tell him whether they want him to lead the party or not.
King the present leader and past PM has gotten sticks from every single member of his cabinet while in government, Bruce Tucker being the most vocal. It was rumored that Bruce and Fredo had King by the balls. King is a very conservative leader and could effect the necessary changes needed to put this country on track PROVIDED he has a good team.
At the convention delegates must be wary of their executive who may try to influence their votes. During the upcoming months one should see an increase I campaigning by the candidates for leader of the party.
In closing, while a couple of Government Ministers seem to make a mockery of Chastnet's bid for the leadership of UWP, not far off on the horizon will be their nightmare and confusion when the election of a successor to Kenny will be on the cards. Filmed at 11!
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Fw: Another Delcer Fiasco in the making?
Dedan Christiani Griffith Jn Baptiste
-----Original Message-----
From: thesaltofchoiseul@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:25:01
To: <thesalofchoiseul.helpdesk@blogger.com>
Reply-To: thesaltofchoiseul@hotmail.com
Subject: Another Delcer Fiasco in the making?
The membership of the Choiseul Credit Co-op have continuously been taken for rides by successive Boards of Directors during their tenure. Vigilant members will recall the fiasco which a past Board of Directors metted out to the institution - lands were bought from the late Cecil Frank to be resold to persons who already had been living on this property for ages. That Board of Directors, sorry, Board of Di-wreckers, took $161,385 of our money to put into this project which up to now has no value to the Union.
But hear this, on page 13 of the 2012 financial statements it reads, " The land at Industry, Choiseul was purchased on behalf of persons currently occupying it. It is the intention of the Co-operative to resell it to them, as soon as subdivision, demarcation and titling exercise is complete." Bs. This will never happen since no access road can be cut on the property. It's like a freeness these industry people get. To confirm this, this present Board states " ..., the Delcer lands cannot be sold since there is no road access to the property.All efforts made thus far proved futile." Question. What prompted that Board of Di-wreckers to get into this project? Did they not see the potential problem in demarcting the property? Was there a cut to be had? Inquring membership minds want to know.
And now, here comes this present Board with another project. In the Board of Director's 2012 report under projects page 3, the President makes reference to buying a property opposite the building presently housing the Soufriere Branch. The president went on, ".....The Board of Directors have decided to purchase a property in Soufriere with a vacant lot and two(2) storeys........"
How much of our money will be thrown towards this project? Did they consult the general membership on this matter? Will this deal be synonymous with the Daher Building? How much will it cost to rennovate this building? Who negotiated the price? Were all these questions addressed with the general membership?
It seems that a certain culture is gradually emerging amongst our successive Board of Directors, that the. Co-op belongs to them. This is far from the truth.
In this hard economic times successive Board of Directors must be prudent with the finances of members placed under their control.
It would be wise if this present board call a meeting to explain every detail of this Soufriere deal to the last cent. Inquiring membership minds want to know. Let not the Delcer project repeat itself least we call this present Board " a band of wreckers."
Dedan Christiani Griffith Jn Baptiste
-----Original Message-----
From: thesaltofchoiseul@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:25:01
To: <thesalofchoiseul.helpdesk@blogger.com>
Reply-To: thesaltofchoiseul@hotmail.com
Subject: Another Delcer Fiasco in the making?
The membership of the Choiseul Credit Co-op have continuously been taken for rides by successive Boards of Directors during their tenure. Vigilant members will recall the fiasco which a past Board of Directors metted out to the institution - lands were bought from the late Cecil Frank to be resold to persons who already had been living on this property for ages. That Board of Directors, sorry, Board of Di-wreckers, took $161,385 of our money to put into this project which up to now has no value to the Union.
But hear this, on page 13 of the 2012 financial statements it reads, " The land at Industry, Choiseul was purchased on behalf of persons currently occupying it. It is the intention of the Co-operative to resell it to them, as soon as subdivision, demarcation and titling exercise is complete." Bs. This will never happen since no access road can be cut on the property. It's like a freeness these industry people get. To confirm this, this present Board states " ..., the Delcer lands cannot be sold since there is no road access to the property.All efforts made thus far proved futile." Question. What prompted that Board of Di-wreckers to get into this project? Did they not see the potential problem in demarcting the property? Was there a cut to be had? Inquring membership minds want to know.
And now, here comes this present Board with another project. In the Board of Director's 2012 report under projects page 3, the President makes reference to buying a property opposite the building presently housing the Soufriere Branch. The president went on, ".....The Board of Directors have decided to purchase a property in Soufriere with a vacant lot and two(2) storeys........"
How much of our money will be thrown towards this project? Did they consult the general membership on this matter? Will this deal be synonymous with the Daher Building? How much will it cost to rennovate this building? Who negotiated the price? Were all these questions addressed with the general membership?
It seems that a certain culture is gradually emerging amongst our successive Board of Directors, that the. Co-op belongs to them. This is far from the truth.
In this hard economic times successive Board of Directors must be prudent with the finances of members placed under their control.
It would be wise if this present board call a meeting to explain every detail of this Soufriere deal to the last cent. Inquiring membership minds want to know. Let not the Delcer project repeat itself least we call this present Board " a band of wreckers."
Dedan Christiani Griffith Jn Baptiste
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
From politician to contractor?
Regargless how secretive Labour tries to take care of their surrogates, the truth always comes to light. For sometime now, obervant constitutuents of I5 have been noticing the frequent trips of a certain ex-politician in the area. Common sense would drive one to believe that these are not campaigning trips. This politician on every single trip it is alleged, has visited the supervisor of the step program for this political division.
The purpose of these visits only surfaced recently. It is alleged that the supervisor has been given the go ahead by this ex-politician, to identify workers for projects which the latter has been awarded by his comrades.
1. The first project was the construction of box drains from the Devil's Bridge junction going towards the bridge - completed. 2. The next project, which is ongoing is the construction of approximately 100m drive-way in Debreuil, and the most recent one is a backstreet retaining wall at "Lawee Derriere" in Roblot.
What makes all of these project suspicious is the fact that nobody makes a move but materials are delivered by persons of unknown origin.
To make a simple analogy it is just like the slave plantation where we had the absentee owner. So in this case we have an "absentee contractor"
Pay packets are sent via a courier to be delivered to the person incharge to the individual workers. On the completion of the job the "absentee contractor" collects his cut and is no more. Sleek, isn't it?
But what concerns this blog apart from the cocomackery invloved, is the quality of work being produced. There has not been one supervisor from any government department to see that these project are being constructed to safety standards.
Correct mixture, sufficient steel, proper foundation are all areas that need expert direction.
So that's that all the foolishness going on in the district which this government does to support their surrogates.
En Rouge.
Dedan Christiani Griffith Jn Baptiste
The purpose of these visits only surfaced recently. It is alleged that the supervisor has been given the go ahead by this ex-politician, to identify workers for projects which the latter has been awarded by his comrades.
1. The first project was the construction of box drains from the Devil's Bridge junction going towards the bridge - completed. 2. The next project, which is ongoing is the construction of approximately 100m drive-way in Debreuil, and the most recent one is a backstreet retaining wall at "Lawee Derriere" in Roblot.
What makes all of these project suspicious is the fact that nobody makes a move but materials are delivered by persons of unknown origin.
To make a simple analogy it is just like the slave plantation where we had the absentee owner. So in this case we have an "absentee contractor"
Pay packets are sent via a courier to be delivered to the person incharge to the individual workers. On the completion of the job the "absentee contractor" collects his cut and is no more. Sleek, isn't it?
But what concerns this blog apart from the cocomackery invloved, is the quality of work being produced. There has not been one supervisor from any government department to see that these project are being constructed to safety standards.
Correct mixture, sufficient steel, proper foundation are all areas that need expert direction.
So that's that all the foolishness going on in the district which this government does to support their surrogates.
En Rouge.
Dedan Christiani Griffith Jn Baptiste
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Has VAT taken its toll on the Choiseul Credit Co-Op?
The Credit Union has just released its "Statement of financial position" as of December 31, 2012.
The report shows Total Assets at $47,955,423.00, Total Liabilities at $40,208,031.00 and Members' Equity at $7,747,392.00. Total Liabilities and Members' Equity totalling $47,955,423.00, an increase of $477,771.00 when compared to 2011 financial report. This is not so big, when one will recalls an increase of $750,330.00 in 2011's report compared to 2010.
The Directors have pumped in over $3m more than last financial year into short term investment. Over $2m more was disbursed in loans to members. Regular savings stand at over $30m, while fixed deposits show about $6m. The statutary reserve increased by a mere $200,000.00.
It is worth noting here that the Co-op made more money in 2011 than 2012 financial year.
This blog continues to press the point that full statements be prepared well in advance to be distributed to members. Distributing the minutes of the last AGM and just a statement of financial position one week before the AGM leaves much to be desired when it comes to knowing the proper runnings of the Co-op. Distributing the booklets on the day of the meeting does little justice to the avid reader.
In closing one should give due kudos to the past manager for at least taking the Co-op to this present position.
This blog patiently awaits the other statements.
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel
The report shows Total Assets at $47,955,423.00, Total Liabilities at $40,208,031.00 and Members' Equity at $7,747,392.00. Total Liabilities and Members' Equity totalling $47,955,423.00, an increase of $477,771.00 when compared to 2011 financial report. This is not so big, when one will recalls an increase of $750,330.00 in 2011's report compared to 2010.
The Directors have pumped in over $3m more than last financial year into short term investment. Over $2m more was disbursed in loans to members. Regular savings stand at over $30m, while fixed deposits show about $6m. The statutary reserve increased by a mere $200,000.00.
It is worth noting here that the Co-op made more money in 2011 than 2012 financial year.
This blog continues to press the point that full statements be prepared well in advance to be distributed to members. Distributing the minutes of the last AGM and just a statement of financial position one week before the AGM leaves much to be desired when it comes to knowing the proper runnings of the Co-op. Distributing the booklets on the day of the meeting does little justice to the avid reader.
In closing one should give due kudos to the past manager for at least taking the Co-op to this present position.
This blog patiently awaits the other statements.
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel
Monday, April 01, 2013
Pope Francis' Urbi et Orbi Message, Easter, 2013
Dear brothers and sisters in Rome and throughout the world, Happy Easter!
What a joy it is for me to announce this message: Christ is risen! I would like it to go out to every house and every family, especially where the suffering is greatest, in hospitals, in prisons .
Most of all, I would like it to enter every heart, for it is there that God wants to sow this Good News: Jesus is risen, there is hope for you, you are no longer in the power of sin, of evil! Love has triumphed, mercy has been victorious!
We too, like the women who were Jesus' disciples, who went to the tomb and found it empty, may wonder what this event means (cf. Lk 24:4). What does it mean that Jesus is risen? It means that the love of God is stronger than evil and death itself; it means that the love of God can transform our lives and let those desert places in our hearts bloom.
This same love for which the Son of God became man and followed the way of humility and self-giving to the very end, down to hell - to the abyss of separation from God - this same merciful love has flooded with light the dead body of Jesus and transfigured it, has made it pass into eternal life. Jesus did not return to his former life, to earthly life, but entered into the glorious life of God and he entered there with our humanity, opening us to a future of hope.
This is what Easter is: it is the exodus, the passage of human beings from slavery to sin and evil to the freedom of love and goodness. Because God is life, life alone, and his glory is the living man (cf. Irenaeus, Adversus Haereses, 4,20,5-7).
Dear brothers and sisters, Christ died and rose once for all, and for everyone, but the power of the Resurrection, this passover from slavery to evil to the freedom of goodness, must be accomplished in every age, in our concrete existence, in our everyday lives. How many deserts, even today, do human beings need to cross! Above all, the desert within, when we have no love for God or neighbour, when we fail to realize that we are guardians of all that the Creator has given us and continues to give us. God's mercy can make even the driest land become a garden, can restore life to dry bones (cf. Ez 37:1-14).
So this is the invitation which I address to everyone: Let us accept the grace of Christ's Resurrection! Let us be renewed by God's mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation and make justice and peace flourish.
And so we ask the risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace. Yes, Christ is our peace, and through him we implore peace for all the world.
Peace for the Middle East, and particularly between Israelis and Palestinians, who struggle to find the road of agreement, that they may willingly and courageously resume negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted all too long. Peace in Iraq, that every act of violence may end, and above all for dear Syria, for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort. How much blood has been shed! And how much suffering must there still be before a political solution to the crisis will be found?
Peace for Africa, still the scene of violent conflicts. In Mali, may unity and stability be restored; in Nigeria, where attacks sadly continue, gravely threatening the lives of many innocent people, and where great numbers of persons, including children, are held hostage by terrorist groups. Peace in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the Central African Republic, where many have been forced to leave their homes and continue to live in fear.
Peace in Asia, above all on the Korean peninsula: may disagreements be overcome and a renewed spirit of reconciliation grow.
Peace in the whole world, still divided by greed looking for easy gain, wounded by the selfishness which threatens human life and the family, selfishness that continues in human trafficking, the most extensive form of slavery in this twenty-first century. Peace to the whole world, torn apart by violence linked to drug trafficking and by the iniquitous exploitation of natural resources! Peace to this our Earth! Made the risen Jesus bring comfort to the victims of natural disasters and make us responsible guardians of creation.
Dear brothers and sisters, to all of you who are listening to me, from Rome and from all over of the world, I address the invitation of the Psalm: "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever. Let Israel say: 'His steadfast love endures for ever'" (Ps 117:1-2).
Dear brothers and sisters, who have come from all over the world to this Square, the heart of Christianity, and all of you joining us via communications media, I renew my wishes for a Happy Easter! Bring to your families and your nations the message of joy of hope and peace that each year is powerfully renewed on this day. May the Risen Lord, who defeated sin and death, support us all especially the weakest and those most in need. Thank you for your presence and the witness of your faith. A thought and a particular thanks for the gift of these beautiful flowers from the Netherlands. I affectionately repeat to all of you: May the Risen Christ guide you and all humanity on the paths of justice, love and peace!
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel
Pope Francis' Urbi et Orbi Message, Easter, 2013
Dear brothers and sisters in Rome and throughout the world, Happy Easter!
What a joy it is for me to announce this message: Christ is risen! I would like it to go out to every house and every family, especially where the suffering is greatest, in hospitals, in prisons .
Most of all, I would like it to enter every heart, for it is there that God wants to sow this Good News: Jesus is risen, there is hope for you, you are no longer in the power of sin, of evil! Love has triumphed, mercy has been victorious!
We too, like the women who were Jesus' disciples, who went to the tomb and found it empty, may wonder what this event means (cf. Lk 24:4). What does it mean that Jesus is risen? It means that the love of God is stronger than evil and death itself; it means that the love of God can transform our lives and let those desert places in our hearts bloom.
This same love for which the Son of God became man and followed the way of humility and self-giving to the very end, down to hell - to the abyss of separation from God - this same merciful love has flooded with light the dead body of Jesus and transfigured it, has made it pass into eternal life. Jesus did not return to his former life, to earthly life, but entered into the glorious life of God and he entered there with our humanity, opening us to a future of hope.
This is what Easter is: it is the exodus, the passage of human beings from slavery to sin and evil to the freedom of love and goodness. Because God is life, life alone, and his glory is the living man (cf. Irenaeus, Adversus Haereses, 4,20,5-7).
Dear brothers and sisters, Christ died and rose once for all, and for everyone, but the power of the Resurrection, this passover from slavery to evil to the freedom of goodness, must be accomplished in every age, in our concrete existence, in our everyday lives. How many deserts, even today, do human beings need to cross! Above all, the desert within, when we have no love for God or neighbour, when we fail to realize that we are guardians of all that the Creator has given us and continues to give us. God's mercy can make even the driest land become a garden, can restore life to dry bones (cf. Ez 37:1-14).
So this is the invitation which I address to everyone: Let us accept the grace of Christ's Resurrection! Let us be renewed by God's mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation and make justice and peace flourish.
And so we ask the risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into peace. Yes, Christ is our peace, and through him we implore peace for all the world.
Peace for the Middle East, and particularly between Israelis and Palestinians, who struggle to find the road of agreement, that they may willingly and courageously resume negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted all too long. Peace in Iraq, that every act of violence may end, and above all for dear Syria, for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort. How much blood has been shed! And how much suffering must there still be before a political solution to the crisis will be found?
Peace for Africa, still the scene of violent conflicts. In Mali, may unity and stability be restored; in Nigeria, where attacks sadly continue, gravely threatening the lives of many innocent people, and where great numbers of persons, including children, are held hostage by terrorist groups. Peace in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the Central African Republic, where many have been forced to leave their homes and continue to live in fear.
Peace in Asia, above all on the Korean peninsula: may disagreements be overcome and a renewed spirit of reconciliation grow.
Peace in the whole world, still divided by greed looking for easy gain, wounded by the selfishness which threatens human life and the family, selfishness that continues in human trafficking, the most extensive form of slavery in this twenty-first century. Peace to the whole world, torn apart by violence linked to drug trafficking and by the iniquitous exploitation of natural resources! Peace to this our Earth! Made the risen Jesus bring comfort to the victims of natural disasters and make us responsible guardians of creation.
Dear brothers and sisters, to all of you who are listening to me, from Rome and from all over of the world, I address the invitation of the Psalm: "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever. Let Israel say: 'His steadfast love endures for ever'" (Ps 117:1-2).
Dear brothers and sisters, who have come from all over the world to this Square, the heart of Christianity, and all of you joining us via communications media, I renew my wishes for a Happy Easter! Bring to your families and your nations the message of joy of hope and peace that each year is powerfully renewed on this day. May the Risen Lord, who defeated sin and death, support us all especially the weakest and those most in need. Thank you for your presence and the witness of your faith. A thought and a particular thanks for the gift of these beautiful flowers from the Netherlands. I affectionately repeat to all of you: May the Risen Christ guide you and all humanity on the paths of justice, love and peace!
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel
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