Letter to the Editor: A touch of humour on Valentine’s Day |14 February 2014

Far too often, pressure of works lead to fatigue and depression and we become too easily critical of the over-blissful society we live in. We fail to appreciate how lucky we are to live in a society where soon after Christmas and New Year, we find ourselves "enjoying" Valentine's Day, Labour Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day and Children's Day – not of course overlooking religious ceremonies like baptême, première communion, confirmation and marriage, as well as Easter Day and All Saints Day. And already the radio is informing us that Carnaval de Victoria is not far away and that Festival Kreol will follow after– and that as from now, there will also be a China Day of the Dragon or of the Horse as well as India's Divali.

"Where is Jean today?

Monsieur, Jean is on doctor's leave for 5 days.

And where is Peter this afternoon?

Peter has gone to the funeral of his best friend.

And why is Margaret late this morning?

Monsieur, last night there was a reception at the Party's District Office and she had a little too much."

Personally, Valentine's Day reminds me that I am still very young at heart as I keep assuring my darling wife that "the best is yet to come”. In youthful days, I used to loudly sing, "My heart cries for you, my heart shines for you, my heart dies for you."

But indeed, I was not much amused when I read in a local newspaper yesterday an advertisement "Come and celebrate Valentine's Day with Johnnie Walker and Baileys" – as if these two reputed alcoholic beverages would really assist in the consolidation of a loving relationship. I dare say, it is important for us not to treat the affairs of the heart too lightly and too frivolously – for there are many whose hearts are opened to find their eyes closed.

With these sentiments expressed, I wish all those "in love" a very, very happy Valentine's Day. Love certainly makes the world go round and round and round again. President François Hollande of "la belle France" has certainly confirmed this. But maybe the time has also come for us to reflect about the plight of those who today are "lonely" and "broken hearted" when only last year they were enjoying Valentine's Day.

James R. Mancham