Tell a friend:
 

05th January 2010
New Year, New Challenges

For those of you who just couldn’t wait for those Friday night fireworks to sound off last week, the ushering in of the new year sure was a nailbiter, wasn’t it? Some of us just couldn’t wait for the old year to be tossed aside for a new one, especially when one considers what an eventful year 2009 was.
That being said, most of us are probably looking forward to a 2010 that will bring some respite from all the edge-of-the-seat challenges we faced in the just-concluded year, right? Most of us, too, are certainly contemplating turning a new leaf given the fact that a new decade has just dawned upon us. And, most of us have probably realized, too, that we all need to finally do a little introspection if we are to move on with any semblance of a defined purpose.
Looking back, the past year brought us immense pain, sorrow and disappointments. The wanton disregard for traffic ‘regs’ resulted in an unconscionable level of road fatalities on our roads. Let us all resolve to put a red light response to these careless acts that only redound to useless carnage on our roads. Driving safely should not be a cliché but a commandment.
The high incidence of violence, too, is reason for tremendous concern for us and the authorities who must endeavour to put adequate money and effort where lip service is. At close to forty, the homicide rate of our Fair Helen for last year should serve as a reminder that we truly have a serious problem in the area of conflict resolution. And let us dare not go comparing under whose party leadership the crime levels spiralled out of control, shall we? That just helps the politicians, not us. Instead, let us see how best we can control the problem; the blame game is no real substitute for change, anyway.
On the economic front, more and more jobs are expected to be lost during the early months of 2010. Unfortunately, this will inevitably, place a burden on the social fabric of the labour force. Nevertheless, this may prove the opportune time for those unemployed to tap into their latent talents and sharpen those skills. Government, too, needs to assist in this venture by providing the basic opportunities for unemployed youths who are serious about learning skill development. Recently, the St. Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) announced that it will be adding another seven hundred jobs to the already eight hundred it has so far to provide opportunities for the unemployed. Good move despite the obvious cynicism that that initiative may attract.
 
 

This year, too, look out for the introduction of the Value-Added Tax (VAT). Get more acquainted with what it entails so you are not left speechless when it is finally implemented in April. The new metrication system is also expected to be implemented this year and that, too, may pose some challenges for us. As a heads-up, we will be using the kilograms instead of pounds and 2.2 pounds amount to one kilogram; it seems a little complicated at first but let’s hope that we don’t take too long to adapt to these two critical changes.
This year, too, both the SLP and UWP are expected to host their party conventions. Word on the street is that the heat soon to be generated from both conventions is expected to make a mess of powder kegs! Sparks will definitely fly (if history has taught us anything about these supercharged shindigs), so be sure to keep not too close a distance from the conventions. Expect an increased clamouring for elections this year; Joe and Jane Public have been begging for one for the past three consecutive years, so don’t be surprised if the King administration finally acquiesces.
Nevertheless, amidst all the madness that tends to define some of our political debate, let us be careful that we do not create an even wider divide among ourselves. The politicians are being paid to do a job and we should all ensure that they do it diligently; dividing ourselves into bitter factions serves no real purpose. Just ask a few of them who are willing to tell you the truth and you’ll see what I mean.
Above all else, though, this new year should remind us that despite all the new challenges we will surely face, that as long as we have life, we have hope and can dream. Let us all strive to merge our positive energies to restore our country’s good name on the international scene. We can choose to do this in either of two ways: by continuing to look backwards or by being resolved to truly turning new leaves. The process may not be easy: it may cost us a little, it may cost us a lot but it will definitely cost us something and that something must come from deep within us – if you asked me.
Happy New Year, St. Lucia – now let us keep it that way.

Discuss Story
 
Top Stories  
 
 
     
 
   
Developed