With Cayman marking 10,000 COVID cases since the pandemic began, it should come as no surprise that the coronavirus features heavily in many New Year’s resolutions.
We checked in with a handful of Cayman’s well-known personalities to get their 2022 resolutions and wishes.
Some sent in their personal plans, while others articulated theirs through official New Year’s messages.
While international studies have shown that around 80% of New Year resolutions fail, here’s hoping the scales will tip in the favour of success this year.
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Governor Martyn Roper in his New Year's message: "Let us hope that in 2022 we can finally put the worst of the global pandemic behind us. I hope it is a better year for our planet as we all increasingly recognise the need for decisive action on climate change. We should give thanks for our freedoms, human rights and vibrant democracy and not take for granted what many others around the world do not enjoy."
National Gallery Curator Natalie Urquhart: "My resolution for 2022 is to prioritise balance and wellbeing, both physical and mental, and to disconnect more on weekends to spend time with friends and family."
Premier Wayne Panton, in his New Year's message, said: "Our [government] focus in 2022 and beyond will be sustainability and weaving it into everything we do, from education to health care, development to financial matters, employment to national security, tourism to environment, sports to youth, culture to heritage and housing to transportation. Our goal is to ensure that the Cayman Islands is held up as one of the most sustainable countries in the world, a trio of islands where all citizens thrive, a peaceful prosperous place, known for its resourcefulness, its diligence, its kindness, its excellence and its innovativeness."
Olympian Ronald Forbes: "My New Year's resolution is to be a lot more grateful for what I have than what I don't, instead of dwelling on what I want, reflect more on what I already have and cherish those moments with what I have."
Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart: "New Year Resolutions? I quit making them years ago. Why? Year after year I found myself making the same resolutions that ended up never being fulfilled!" However, the George Town East MP also shared his hopes for the year ahead in his New Year's message. "Just as I look forward with hope for our islands I look forward with confidence for the Progressives. Just as we were born in Opposition and then won three of the next four general elections, our time in Opposition now will allow us to rebuild our strength, extend our engagement with the people and develop our policy platform. We signaled at the last election that we were not seeking reelection simply to carry on in government. We put forward a manifesto of new ideas for the environment, economic diversification and social progress, all while remaining fiscally responsible and working for a stronger, safer future for our islands. That is why not just in 2022 but through to the next election, we will keep on making the argument for Progressives policy positions and for positive change that benefits our islands and our people. Whatever uncertainties and anxieties cloud the future, this is one constant upon which everyone can rely."
House Speaker McKeeva Bush, in his New Year’s message, said: “Let us capitalise on all the opportunities that this episode and chapter of our lives will bring us in the new year. We are to remain adamant and resolute and be highly motivated as we take on the challenges and difficulties ahead. Let’s be mindful that we have the expertise, that we do have knowledge and competences among our people to succeed and be fruitful. Our focus and attention with purpose will inevitably reach success and the rewards that we desire. To that end we can’t be negative nor pessimistic, but rather optimistic and put our shoulders to the wheel and work collectively as one cohesive nation and society for our common good [and] a better community.”
Cayman Islands Tourism Association president Marc Langevin: "I do not make New Year wishes or resolutions. I lead my life by making and holding commitments every day for my personal and business goals."
Deputy Opposition Leader Joey Hew: "I don't do New Year resolutions as I try to always stay focussed and adapt as needed, however I do have a couple of focus areas this year. It's been a year since breaking my ankle, so now my focus is to complete my recovery, and return to some level of fitness and be able to run again. On the professional side, I will focus on continuing to assist my constituents in overcoming hurdles, accessing programmes and opportunities to better themselves, and to live their best lives. In furtherance of this, I am committed with my colleagues to build on the strong foundation of the Progressives, a party to offer a credible and organised option to the Country for the future. Otherwise, I hope to stay positive and test negative."
Deputy Premier Chris Saunders: "My resolution for this new year is better time management. Over the past several months, I saw first hand how easy it is to become [so] immersed in work that I don't find sufficient time for loved ones, constituents, and even my personal health. My goal this year is to improve my time management and find a better work life balance."
View official New Year’s messages below:
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