And Still I Rise

For the first time in as long as I could remember there were no hurricanes or storms that terrorised the region.Yet storms of a different type made their presence felt across the world. On a cold Washington day in January the world watched as the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama took the oath of office.The ascension of a black man to the highest post of the land was something many thought they would never see in their lifetime. Despite the hope engendered by Obama's rise the world's global health suffered as the word recession took centre stage.

2009 would end with a tale of deceit and the smashing of a carefully crafted image as Tiger Woods'private life became all too public. Terror reigned in the skies with the attempted bombing of Northwest airlines Flight 253 by Umar Farouk. A few days earlier relieved American Airlines passengers miraculously escaped death when their plane crash landed at the Norman Manley Int'l Airport in Kingston.

In between, 2009 was the year when larger than life personalities none bigger that the king of pop Michael Jackson departed this life. It was the year when Rihanna became the new poster girl for violence against women triggering a debate that was as illuminating as it was sad. Truth is there are far too many of us willing to offer up excuses for this type of behaviour. Swine flu or H1N1 as it was later called was on the lips of everyone as the media threatened to scare the living daylights out of us. Eygptian pigs were among the biggest casualties thanks to an overzealous administration. For weeks we were enthralled with the situation in Iran after the results of the general elctions sparked off protests.

The summer Olympics were owned by the irrepressible Usain Bolt who like Jesse Owens before him made sure Berliners and the world at large would forever remember his name. Unlike the Jamaican athletic team the the west Indies cricket team was characterized by tales of strikes and the muddling off and on the field that has become part of the cricket landscape. To be fair though, the series in Australia showed some fight that was pleasing.

Closer to home the Government failed in its bid to have the Constitution reformed leaving in its wake a money trail of millions of dollars. Given our polarity it's safe to say Constitutional reform will remain a dream.

2009 also had its bizarre moments like Marge Simpson gracing the covers of Playboy and the jaw dropping ones like Obama being awarded the Nobel peace prize. Thankfully, Jon , Kate and the annoying eight's reality show came to an end. Here's to much blessings in 2010 and many many thanks to all of you who dropped by in 2009.