WHEN one thinks of Christmas, festivities, decorated Christmas trees, pepperpot and other scrumptious meals, joy and love, come to mind. It is a time when families gather to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and the highs and lows of the year.

Many people in planning for the year ahead, set resolutions, some unrealistic and some that can easily be achieved through commitment and support.

This time around, the season is no different, expect that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has given the people of Guyana a task. He has implored all to love more and hate less.

His message at the launch of the inaugural “One Guyana” Christmas Village last Friday evening, was an inspirational and heart-warming one. It was one that has no doubt given many people hope that Guyana is on the right path and that all will be well.

Since being elected to office, he has repeatedly said that Guyanese are a part of “one big family” and as such should live in unity and love. He repeated this at last Friday’s event.

President Ali seized the opportunity to fuse his “One Guyana” mantra with Christmas, which among, other things, emphasises the importance of love.

This was a brilliant move which again, demonstrates that he is committed to leaving a lasting legacy of togetherness and love; that he wants what is best for every Guyanese and Guyana as a whole.

In his address to the hundreds gathered before him, he emphasised that there is no room for hate in Guyana, only love.

“Those who love must love more and those who hate must learn to love,” is probably the most powerful line in his message.

What is more remarkable is that he had clearly caught the attention of his audience, as everyone – the young as well as the old – listened attentively as he spoke.

He didn’t end there. President Ali used the occasion to single out the importance of the family in spreading love and ending hate. For him, this starts with togetherness.

Included in the Christmas Village are spaces for family-oriented activities. Aside from taking family portraits with spectacular backgrounds which include thousands of lights and Christmas-themed décor, there will be a fun park for children and an area where Christmas movies will be shown. Families can stroll along the entire tree-lined avenue which stretches from Bank of Guyana to Lamaha Street.

This message and its delivery in the most fitting environment, is probably President Ali’s most impactful message since taking office. It is one which has undoubtedly confirmed that he is not just all talk, he means business.

All leaders should follow in the President’s footsteps. As we all know, this a herculean task which requires the involvement of everyone.

President Ali has started an important conversation. He has also laid a foundation which can be used to bring about the changes that will ensure a better Guyana.

The time is now for hate to end and for love to prevail in this beautiful land of bountiful resources and beautiful people.

Let’s all help President Ali in his quest to make this country one that we can all be proud to be citizens of.