Many of us are still in the process of determining our new year’s resolutions, while others have already fallen off the bandwagon. We looked at some of the top resolutions last week – getting fit, quitting smoking and drinking, family time and saving money. Today, we look at five resolutions for Jamaica. Only time will tell if we will achieve our goals, but we are nothing if not hopeful people.
1) Curb crime
We seem to be caught in a never-ending downward spiral when it comes to crime. Statistics from January to October 24, 2015 showed that the number of murders had increased since 2014. Even worse, some parishes that had previously been quite peaceful morphed into havens for criminals. Law enforcement officials seem to be at their wits end, but we are hopeful for even a slight decline.
2) Reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities
We recorded more than 354 road fatalities in 2015. This is 54 more cases than the similar period of 2014 and a major jump from the 290 cases recorded in 2013. All road users must be more careful and observant while driving, riding or walking, and be sure to obey the rules and signs in place.
3) Keep passing those IMF tests
Jamaica passed the 10th test last December. The tests are an important component of the four-year Extended Fund Facility we signed with the IMF on May 1, 2013. There are five tests remaining, four of which take place this year -March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15. Read why it is important for us to keep passing the IMF tests here.
4) Stamp out corruption
It will certainly take more than one year to stamp out corruption, which is a national plague, but this would be as good a time as any to see some real change begin.
5) Dominate Rio 2016
Following a string of impressive medal hauls going back to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, Team Jamaica will be looking to top the track and field medal table in Rio de Janeiro this August. It will be sprint king Usain Bolt’s last Olympics, and he will be aiming to go out with a bang. Plus, we saw the birth of a few new stars during last year;s World Championships, and they will be trying to write their own names in the history books.
