My Fellow Jamaicans,
As we stand at the start of a New Year, I address you with a thankful heart full of hope and a vision brimming with possibilities. Today marks not just the beginning of another year but also the dawn of a new chapter in our nation’s history; a chapter which we will write together with commitment, compassion, courage and pride.
The past year has been a journey with its share of challenges. We faced the shadows of crime, violence, road accidents, and other criminal activities which tested the resilience of our communities. But I hasten to remind you that darkness is only a precursor to dawn.
This year we must commit ourselves:
1. To being the light that dispels darkness,
2. To be steadfast in our resolve to experience a brighter future, and
3. To be decisive in our actions.
The future of our nation has to be firmly built on the bonds of trust, responsibility and accountability towards each other.
In this new year, let us:
- Embrace the role of being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,
- Let us foster a culture where we do not just look out only for ourselves, but also ‘look out’ for our neighbors, friends, and even the strangers.