We did not get blown away in 2000 as many doomsday prophets pre-dicted but what a decade it's been. From the 9/11 disaster to a duo of wars to killer-tsunamis to economic collapse, the nations of the world have had to deal with monumental problems.
Traditionally, the dawn of the New Year signals a time for trying out new things and abandoning old habits. People tend to place priority on their health by losing weight, eating healthy and quitting vices such as smoking and drinking. Improving relationships by spending more time with family also ranks high among the most popular resolutions. In the current environment, I expect that more people will pay attention to their finances as they try to cope with the growing demands on the pay cheque. Surveys have found that only a paltry 12 per cent of those who make resolutions are successful at keeping them throughout the year. There are even professional coaches who are involved in helping people to achieve their resolution goals.
Keep it simple
My suggestion is that we keep it simple. Make resolutions that are sensible and sustainable.
Every person I have talked to thus far has a gloomy outlook on 2010. The impending tax burden and the multiplying effect on the population is a worrying factor. But I want to shrug off this negative feeling and wish for everyone a year of prosperity and, specifically, that Jamaica will emerge from this period a sturdier nation.
I don't know whether Prime Minister Bruce Golding is on the path of making New Year resolutions. But I am certain he feels the weight of the nation on his shoulders and the aspirations of Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora. So, like the rest of us, he must surely be thinking about what he can do to give greater hope to more Jamaicans in 2010. Jamaicans are looking to Mr Golding to use his imagination and creativity to put Jamaica right again.
And since the entire nation has been called on to make sacrifices, people want to be assured that the Government is also taking the matter seriously by getting rid of fat cats and making Government more customer-friendly.
Are we hoping for too much? History is replete with examples of how people effect change from the ground up. Sure there have been great leaders of our time, but, ultimately, it is the people who have made significant change.
Should we therefore be seeking to make radical changes in the way we conduct our lives?
Take the environment as an example. Everyone knows Jamaica is economically bankrupt, but how many people care about the environmental crisis that is awaiting us? Surely each of us should be resolved to improve our environment. I dare suggest that Mr Golding should be at the forefront of a 'green' initiative in 2010. The entire public sector should be fired up about providing better environmental stewardship.
A more peaceful Ja
The battle to make Jamaica a more peaceful place should rank high on the list of resolutions for 2010. Is there something that each of us can do to ensure that the criminals in our midst be brought to justice? Let us think carefully about how we can assist in identifying those who operate outside the fold of legality.
In opposition Mr Golding spoke much about constitutional reform. Perhaps we should speak out now and agitate for his government to take this matter seriously and ensure that better legislative results are seen in 2010.
I wish for Mr Golding and his family good health and happiness, and hope 2010 will bring him renewed energy and give him enduring solutions to the myriad of difficulties we face as a nation.
The battle to make Jamaica a more peaceful place should rank high on the list of resolutions for 2010. Is there something that each of us can do to ensure that the criminals in our midst are brought to justice?