ZAMBIA has always been known as a haven of peace.

Zambians, however, should not take the peace prevailing in the country for granted.

There is need for all peace loving Zambians to guard jealously the peace that has been prevailing in this great nation since independence.

It is, therefore, hoped that as the country celebrates this year’s festive period, people should be mindful of the need to harness this peace which is so much cherished.

The core values that have held this nation together should be enhanced and promoted further.

As the year draws to an end, it is expected of every citizen to examine what role they have played in fostering development in the country and maintaining peace and harmony.

Peace in as much as it can be a five worded letter has a grave impact on many social and economic aspects of any given country.

In the absence of peace, people are not able to exercise their full potential as misery takes its toll.

Peace simply entails order, discipline and prosperity which are recorded when it is put at the centre stage of any given society.

It is for this reason that we join Chief Government spokesperson Mwansa Kapeya, who is urging Zambians to celebrate the festive period with caution, and maintain peace in the year 2014.

The other thing to be embraced is reconciliation, especially among our political leaders.

To maintain the peace being enjoyed, reconciliation and love among one another should be a defining factor of a united country.

In this case, President Michael Sata’s message during the Christmas thanksgiving church service at State House on the Eve should be taken seriously.

The President in his message, urged Zambians to show appreciation to God and celebrate with thanksgiving, reconciliation, good deeds, love and compassion for one another.

These values espoused by the Head of State are cardinal in making sure Zambia gets to the level where everyone aspires to.

A place where everyone is able to enjoy the wealth this country is endowed with and poverty reduced to a bare minimum.

As Zambia celebrates 50 years of independence next year, it is expected that that the political discourse will change for the better.

Zambians expect politics where subsistence is the name of the game rather than a string of innuendos where people’s characters are assassinated.

National interest should override personal goals so that the country can move away from the old school of doing politics to achieving growth in a sustainable manner.

Dialogue should always be seen as the best avenue to settle disputes.

If all these good wishes are to be achieved, peace and love are the best ingredients which should be promoted and cherished by all Zambians.

It is, therefore, important that during the festive period, people should use this time to reflect on values that will make the country move forward rather than just narrow minded personal goals.

In whatever we do, it is important that citizens and leaders cherish the values that have held the country together and be able to promote peace and prosperity.