Most of us welcomed in 2010 with sighs of relief; giving thanks that the challenges of the past year were finally behind us. However, despite offering best wishes to friends and family, we may actually doubt that the aspiration “Have a Prosperous New Year” can be realised over the next 12 months.

Even if we managed to ignore the discussions about Jamaica’s economic crisis during the festive season, reality was abruptly thrust upon us on January 1 when the new tax increases were implemented. As I noted the dramatic jump in petrol prices, it became even more obvious to me that we were in for a financially challenging time this year.

The pragmatists and pessimists are warning us about impending job losses, increasing poverty levels and inevitable social upheavals. At the same time, some business and political leaders are declaring that Jamaica is poised to benefit from myriad opportunities that always abound in periods of crisis. Where does our future really lie? Continue reading We Will Rise Again in 2010! →