Counting down to the new year
TODAY we begin the countdown to another brand new year! We are at the junction once again so to speak. When the sun sets today, or when the dark clouds take us slowly to nightfall, we will farewell 2022 and begin the countdown to midnight, when we will welcome 2023! So what can we say about this year?
When we reflect on the year that was, we will be reminded about many things.
Some will inch out fond memories, and some bitter. Surely 2022 was filled to the brim though with change. And that is probably how many of us will remember it. We went to the polls. Before that though, we were kept in suspense by the uncertainty over an election date. That’s on the home-front.
On the international front, the troubles of the world were many. The war in Ukraine stands out as a hot topic in 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II died. It was the end of an era for the monarch. If we ever felt we were far removed from the troubles of the world, this year once again drove through the notion that was far from the truth!
It gave us a reality check.
The containment borders, enforced curfew hours and restricted movement were removed. The lifting of the curfew earlier this year, around February, effectively ended almost 22 months of strict movement restrictions because of COVID-19. The pandemic had brought the economy to its knees.
We struggled to find a reason to believe that we could get out of this predicament. Mortgages came under fire. Loan repayments with banks were a struggle for many Fijians, and just trying to put food on the table was frustrating.
Children missed out on education for the better part of 2021 and this year we embraced the decision for our children to go back to school.
The pandemic taught us about connectivity, networks, and connections. It taught us about how things were actually interdependent, and why it is important that we needed to adhere to very strict COVID-19 safety protocols. We were never immune to the impact of the virus. Today, as we reflect on this year, we acknowledge all those working behind the scenes, including our neighbouring countries and international partners, who have all assisted to bring us some semblance of order.
We are buoyed by the arrival of tourists, and encouraged by the injection of needed revenue to the local economy.
Without a doubt, the big one for the year though would be the change in government.
Politics is king at this end of the spectrum. Fijians went to the polls, and came out with the firm message that they wanted change. We have a new Prime Minister in Sitiveni Rabuka who leads a coalition of the People’s Alliance, the National Federation Party and Social Democratic Liberal Party.
Understandably the major challenge, aside from policy matters and reforms, would be to appropriately and effectively deal with a rogue member of the coalition moving forward.
There have been many massive achievements on the sports field, especially in rugby union, in both 7s and 15s. We remember the excitement brought about by the emergence of the Drua as a team to watch in Super Rugby and women’s rugby taking off as a major sport for Fijians.
However, as we count down to the end of this year, we choose to reflect on a dangerous part of driving today.
Speeding is a killer. When you place drunk drivers behind the wheel, it’s potent mix that can end in injury or death.
As we gear up for the traditional celebrations tonight and tomorrow, let’s prepare to work hard in whatever it is we choose to do in the new year. Let’s reflect on the year that was, appreciate the many lessons learnt along the way, place the safety of our loved ones on the highest pedestal, and look ahead with optimism and hope to 2023.
On behalf of The Fiji Times, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very happy New Year. Stay well, stay safe!