Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 22/Dec 05:00

Beyond the festivities

DONNA PROWELL-RAPHAEL THE HOLIDAY season carries deep and profound meaning for the diverse and vibrant community served by the Equal Opportunity Tribunal. At its heart lies the story of the Nativity, the birth of Christ, upon which the Christian faith and the celebration of Christmas have been founded for centuries. This story, rich with theological significance, continues to inspire and shape the festivities, customs, and reflections that define this special time of year. The Christmas story tells of the humble birth of Jesus, biblically prophesied as the Saviour and Messiah, in a simple stable in Bethlehem. This moment, heralded in the Bible as the birth of “Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11), was marked by angels appearing to nearby shepherds to proclaim the arrival of the Saviour and men from distant parts guided by a bright star arriving at the stable bearing gifts honouring the "newborn King." While grounded in Christian doctrine, the Christmas story resonates widely, speaking to universal themes of transformation, the triumph of light over darkness, and the enduring promise of peace and goodwill that other sacred and festive celebrations share. Yet, within the lived realities of the Caribbean diaspora, Christmas is both a joyous celebration and a reminder of persistent social systems that perpetuate economic and social disparities. These inequalities, shaped by historical displacement and layered inequities, starkly contrast with the core messages of Christmas and continue to affect countless lives. For those living amidst these struggles, the joy and goodwill of the holiday season can feel distant and disconnected from their daily life experiences. Nevertheless, the enduring popularity of Christmas throughout the Caribbean reflects a deep spiritual connection to its core teachings of hope, goodwill, and redemption. For those affected, embracing the Christmas spirit requires more than just seasonal celebration. There is the need for a thoughtful reassessment of the values the season represents and a shared commitment to living those values every day. The Equal Opportunity Tribunal occupies a crucial and meaningful role at these crossroads, cognisant of the paradox of joy and struggle between celebration and the ongoing challenges many face. Through the determination of discrimination complaints, the tribunal addresses legal issues that affect equal opportunity, striving to create a more level playing field for all. In doing so, the mandate of the tribunal reinforces the spirit of transformation, triumph, and hope that the Christmas story and similar sacred celebrations inspire. While the tribunal functions within the legal framework to address these challenges, the broader spirit of the season calls on society as a whole to take collective responsibility. Building on this foundation, the season invites a deeper reflection on how the spirit of Christmas can be more fully realised through collective action. Beyond tradition, the holiday season challenges society to confront the social realities that test the very values Christmas embodies. Through this engagement, Christmas can be more than just a seasonal festivity, it can become an opportunity to acknowledge past injustices, advance meaningful understanding, and work toward a future grounded in shared values that bridge diverse faiths and communities. In the spirit of the season, the leadership of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal extends its gratitude to all team members and stakeholders for their support throughout this year. May the new year bring renewed strength, vigour and the resilience needed to transform challenges into opportunities and hope into reality. Amid the ongoing celebrations, whether through faith, family gatherings, indigenous holiday music and food, "liming or partying," or other holiday hospitality, lavish or humble, may the true spirit that underpins this season not be forgotten. As the merriment goes on, and many revel in the melodic rhythms of the season that invite everyone to set their cares aside and free their spirits (no pun intended), it may be irresistible to join in the soca parang chorus that proudly proclaims: Merry Christmas, happy holidays! Donna Prowell-Raphael is the chairman of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal The post Beyond the festivities appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.