Today marks the first day of a New Year, a day which many will consider to be a fresh start. New Year’s Day is a time when most of us decide to put the ills of the last 12-months behind them and think of how the coming 365 days can be a better period in their life, where past mistakes are not repeated but lessons are learnt from them. A time when we stop taking what we have for granted and try to be grateful for all that life has offered us so far. 

This is also a time when people set their New Year’s resolutions – or goals – for the upcoming year.

The following are our suggestions for a better Malta in 2020:

The political situation will not likely die down in the coming weeks and months. On the contrary, it is expected to become harsher as more revelations emerge from the courts and as the country transitions to a new Prime Minister.

Rather than digging our heels in and man the battle lines, each and every one of us should try to start thinking logically and rationally. This is not about red and blue, but about the current and future stability and foreign image of our country.

Corruption is corruption, wherever it comes from.

Just because the political party we support did it does not necessarily mean that it is right, or that we should let it slide. If something is wrong, we should be brave enough to admit it and speak out about it. And we should stop voting in politicians who tainted with the stink of corruption, irrespective of which party they come from. We, the electorate, have the true power to clean up politics in this country.

Let us stop comparing what is happening now to what was done by previous administrations. Stop living in the past. Live in the present and think about the future – this is all that counts for us and our future generations.

Let us care more for the environment. Much has been done but it is not enough. Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s make 2020 a year where everyone speaks up, not just a few brave activists. We should all be activists for change. Let’s not be afraid to join forces to safeguard the little green areas we have left. Again, this is not a partisan political issue. This is a matter that affects our everyday lives, our wellbeing and that of our children.

Let us be more considerate and open-minded. Let’s think before we speak, and be careful of how to react against those we do not agree with. Put your message across through an intelligent argument, not with insults and character assassination.

Let us be kind to one another. Let’s be more considerate when driving, and respect motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Let us not wait until l-Istrina to perform an act of kindness – we can do this all year round. There are so many organisations and NGOs that could do with an hour or two of help on the weekends.

And lastly, let us slow down a bit, find time for family and friends and take care of our health.

Happy New Year to all our readers!