Haiti - Social : Wishes of the First Lady of Haiti, Elizabeth Préval

To mark the new year, the First Lady of Haiti Elizabeth Préval has presented in a television message, during her traditional New Year wishes, to the people of Haiti : "The wish that I make for 2011 is that collectively all Haitians, without any difference of political affiliation, social belonging, color etc... that all Haitians, come together to say that we will rebuild this country. We will rebuild this country because this country has enormous potential, it has a unique history and this history is our pride. We will rebuild this country, for bequeath to our progeny a modern country. What our ancestors us themselves had given, it was an Independence, we go beyond this achievement of independent country that we received as a legacy, and we say to our progeny that collectively, the men of this country will leave them a country that will be rebuilt and reconstructed on a democratic basis and with modern systems. That is my wish for 2011."

Previously to this message Elizabeth Préval had submitted her written wishes "to the children of Haiti" The year is almost over and it's time to make the wishes of use. The year 2010 was a long series of pains and disasters for the entire Haitian population and probably many of you, the children of our beloved fatherland : some may have lost a parent, friend, or a house or perhaps you've learned from other misfortune that struck many of us. First, I would ask you to always turn your soul to the Almighty in the most difficult moments of your life, certainly, but every day and every moment, so that it is your companion, your friend, your advisor.

For the next year 2011 and all years to come, my first wish for you, children of our Haiti, is to still keep in you the love: love of the other, love of country and love of the common good. By loving each and every one, you ensure that peace will reign forever on this beautiful land which has suffered so much and which can do no more! Love each other, love this country more than yourself, respect the common good and the nation will again become great and prosperous!

The sharing is the second message for this year. Share your smile, your mood, your love, a little money, a piece of bread, because by giving a little about yourself, simply by giving, you will grow, you'll become the women and men that this country needs to build, for rebuild, to remake it.

My third wish for you this year is that you cultivate the forgiveness. When you feel offended, saddened by the actions of others, wounded in your soul and your heart, remember that forgiveness is growing the human, that forgiveness is an act of love and faith in the goodness of Man. Forgive others the wrongs they did to you, forgive their ignorance, forgive, but especially never have any enemies because an human which has learned the forgiveness knows to be happy, feels compassion for others, has empathy and helps to build a society where everyone has a right to happiness.

We come now to my last wish... The tolerance. Being able of accept others with all their differences, be able to say yes, whatever its opinions, its beliefs, its skin color, its social background and health status are signs of a society where everyone have a place. I wish you to cultivate tolerance, accepting differences of opinion and be champions of this virtue.

My dear children, the children of Haiti, you are the future of this Nation : on your shoulders rests our beautiful Haiti... In this year that is ending and for the coming year, you will have to realize that without you, without your fortitude and character, without your energy and your resolution to take over, this country is doomed to perish. My dream for you and this nation is that you, Youth of this country, take the resolution to construct, reconstruct and rebuild a great and beautiful Haiti.

That this End of Year 2010 happens in Peace, love and serenity !

HL/ HaitiLibre