The new year doesn’t require old baggage
Published:Thursday | December 28, 2023 | 12:07 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
As we stand on the precipice of a brand new year, 2024, it’s time for us, the effervescent people of Jamaica, to collectively declare that this year will be what is dubbed as ‘baggage-free!’ Yes! No more dragging around old baggage like worn-out suitcases on the airport carousel. It’s a new year, a new opportunity for a fresh start, and frankly, it’s time to bid farewell to the baggage that’s been cluttering our lives in our beautiful country.
Let’s start with the political baggage. In envisioning a revitalised political landscape for Jamaica, the call to shed political baggage resonates with the collective yearning for transformative change. This baggage, comprising outdated ideologies and empty promises, serves as a poignant reminder of the hindrances that have delayed progress. The rallying cry is clear: it is time for politicians to relinquish historical animosities, embrace fresh perspectives, and prioritise honesty and accountability.
By advocating for a politics free from self-interest, the aspiration is to usher in an era where political leaders collaborate seamlessly, fostering an environment that genuinely serves the needs and aspirations of the Jamaican people. Now this would be refreshing!
Speaking of refreshing changes, can we leave behind the social media drama in 2023? Let’s not carry the weight of unnecessary online arguments and keyboard battles into the new year. Furthermore, let’s embrace the enlightening potential of our screens by actively seeking out educational content that stimulates our minds and fosters meaningful discussions.
Of course, we can’t forget the environmental baggage. Let’s make 2024 the year we seriously commit to reducing our carbon footprint. Climate change is no longer a distant threat but an imminent reality. The urgency lies in our collective responsibility to ensure a sustainable future for the younger generation.
In the spirit of a fresh start, let’s also forgive and forget. Holding onto grudges is like carrying around a backpack full of rocks – it weighs you down. Let’s enter 2024 with open hearts, ready to mend fences and build bridges, not only for personal development, but for the betterment of Jamaica, land we love! So, my dear Jamaicans, let’s make a pact – as the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2023, we will leave behind the old baggage and stride into 2024 unburdened and ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.
Here’s to a baggage-free, joy-filled and prosperous new year!
DAVE D. FOSTER