04.JAN.11

Editor: Every year Old Year’s Day rolls around, and along with it, a plethora of New Year’s resolutions (we make mostly for ourselves).

“The beginning of the New Year is a great time to start fresh and work toward the things we want from life. Pretty much everyone sets goals and objectives for the New Year, whether privately in their head or publicly to their friends and family.”{{more}}

This New Year, I would like to make my resolutions – my wish list – for the land of my birth – “Mother Hairouna”.

In no particular order, here are my dozen New Year’s (political) resolutions – my wish list – for “Mother Hairouna”:

1. That all politicians respect the will of the people and move straight ahead with good governance of the nation;

2. We move closer to the completion of the Argyle International Airport and Cross Country Road, and begin plans for the expansion of the capital city to include Arnos Vale;

3. National Reconciliation and National Unity efforts take hold;

4. We see government (including the Opposition) as the vehicle to lead our nation to progress and prosperity;

5. The New Democratic Party makes a smooth transition from Eustace to Friday;

6. The leadership of both parties find the political will to work together for the good of country and not just the advancement of party. “Red” and “Yellow” should be used for election campaigns and not to sow seeds of discord and divisiveness;

7. The Government finds the resources to continue with its progressive social and economic programmes now in place, like the education revolution, affordable housing, improved health care, youth empowerment programme, home help for the elderly, etc.;

8. The Government legislates broadcast standards and the media houses clean the airwaves;

9. James Mitchell faces the Ottley Hall Inquiry and withdraws his Grenadines Declaration;

10. The Government and Opposition pass Integrity Legislation;

11. Government and Opposition find ways to put Constitutional Reform back on the front burner; and

12. Notwithstanding Constitutional provisions, Government and Opposition develop a policy for term limits for non-elected Senators as well as their role in Cabinet.

For 2011 and beyond, let our watch words be RECONCILIATION AND UNITY!!

A Happy New year to all Vincentians at home and in the Diaspora.

T. Wade Kojo Williams, Sr.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada