Girasoli calls for more effort in poverty reduction

Girasoli calls for more effort in poverty reduction
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Sat 25 Dec. 2010, 04:01 CAT

IT is unfortunate that the gap between the rich and the poor is noticed more during great feasts like Christmas, says the Vatican envoy. In his Christmas message, Vatican Ambassador to Zambia Nicola Girasoli said more concrete steps and actions needed to be taken in order to reduce the gap between the poor and rich people.

Archbishop Girasoli said this was so considering the favourable economic trends that had benefited Zambia this year and the consistent GDP growth the country had achieved.

“Especially during the great feasts like Christmas we notice more how this gap is becoming even larger. A serious commitment is required to create new and long-term jobs. In fact the happiness of the successful economic growth of Zambia, it seems that does not really benefit and touch all levels of Zambian society,” he said.

He said development should benefit all citizens.

Archbishop Girasoli (left) said there was need to increase the labour force and have more people access an affordable credit system.

He said the public economic sector should always consider the benefit of all Zambians as the main priority for developing the country.

Archbishop Girasoli said the natural resources belonged to all Zambians and a stronger commitment should be put in place by public institutions so that the resources are used for the benefit of all.

“Most of the natural resources are not renewable so when they are taken they disappear forever. That is why natural resources should benefit all Zambian citizens and should be aimed at producing a durable impact for improving the socio-economic conditions of poor urban and rural areas,” he said.
Archbishop Girasoli urged people never to despair as Christmas should strengthen people’s hopes and expectations.

He said for those who were suffering, those without a stable income, the unemployed, the sick and those who had lost their jobs, it would be a Christmas full of worries for their future.

“But all Christians know that life is a passage under a tunnel; at the end there is always the light, the light of Christmas. During these holidays when families gather together to celebrate Christmas, we all shall encourage each other: The Child Jesus lets us know that the future for those who are now suffering will be radiant,” he said.

Archbishop Girasoli said Christmas should also be an occasion to balance what happened during this year in people’s lives and in society.

He said Christmas was the feast of the poor, because God had chosen to be born as a poor.
He said only unity and peace could assure a sustainable development which could benefit the poor and the marginalised classes of society.

“Let us work together in proclaiming One Zambia, One Nation. While the country is preparing for the general election next year let us pray that different political views and the legitimate aspirations of all those involved in the political arena will be presented and defended in a peaceful way,” said Archbishop Girasoli.

Archbishop Girasoli said religion should keep the role of a unifying pillar of society particularly during the coming elections.