Again, we reflect & renew

IT IS hard to imagine that 2010 is ending. Time really flies. As we all reflect on the year 2010, I would say, "It was the worst of times, it was the best of times".

The year started out with thoughts of the recession, and we certainly have seen its impact throughout the year. Many people lost jobs or found it difficult to find jobs. Many families have had to adjust with the daily economic challenges. Despite these challenges, the Jamaican dollar revalued and stabilised and some people contend that the fundamentals are in place for renewed economic growth and recovery. I recall that for the earlier part of the year, the country was gripped with crime; the fear level had risen extremely high. There were days when I was literally afraid to leave my home.

The hope for 2011

Of course, the most eventful period of 2010 was 'the Dudus matter' that rocked the Government, almost created a major diplomatic crisis and plunged the country into civil unrest. Those were some dark and frightening days. The country's business suffered. However, the events that unfolded after 'the Tivoli invasion' certainly had some positive turns. The crime rate is reported to have declined and, for the first time in years, the security forces have taken control of Jamaica, which was slipping into a state of anarchy. Efforts are slowly being made to impose some sense of law and order here.

Today, to some extent, there is a renewed sense of safety, security and opportunity. Herein lies the hope for the New Year. The extremely high levels of crime have been a major factor retarding economic growth and development. With crime under control and a concerted effort being made to impose order and decency on this society, I am very hopeful that we will see a great 2011.

This year, we said goodbye to some great Jamaicans who made the transition - Rex Nettleford, Barry Chevannes, Gregory Isaacs and Norma Shirley. They all enriched our lives. We give thanks for their lives.

Thanks to our readers

As we all reflect during these closing days of 2010, let us once again be thankful. Let me take this opportunity on behalf of the editor and the team of writers for The Gleaner's Health section to thank you all for being there with us and for us. Thanks for paying attention to your personal health. We certainly are looking forward to hearing from you and receiving your feedback and criticisms in 2011.

We look forward to new and exciting opportunities in 2011. Happy New Year and new decade.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.