We enter the new year with crime, violence, antisocial and irresponsible behaviour much too widespread for comfort.

Residents of once blissfully peaceful communities now cower in fear of fast-moving criminals.

We hear too often of murder committed for reasons too irrational to even contemplate.

On a daily basis, we encounter behaviour on our roads which leaves no doubt that mental instability is prevalent.

There is the overwhelming, inescapable evidence of corruption and fraud as con artists — including far too many who have found themselves in high places — exploit people’s instinctive trust and innocence.

And yet, as Governor General Sir Patrick Allen assures us in his new year’s message, there is hope; and “darkness is only a precursor to dawn”.

Nor should we believe that there has been no progress down the years.

In education, for example, while much needs to be done to ensure a fair deal for all our children, we must not ignore our advance since political independence in 1962.

We must not forget that, as a direct consequence of uncaring colonial administration, more than 90 per cent of our children had no access to high school education and that illiteracy ran in excess of 60 per cent up to just a few decades ago.

As the society gets ready for local government elections, due by late February, there is little or no fear of political violence. Yet, just over 40 years ago the country teetered on the edge of civil war because of political tribalism.

Today, our carefully crafted electoral system — which must be protected at all costs — is the envy of many countries.

And even as we fret about crime, violence, and delinquency we must not ignore police statistics which show clear trends in the right direction.

We welcome word from Prime Minister Andrew Holness in his new year’s message of plans, including the use of public education and technology, to hasten positive behaviour change.

On the economic front, Mr Holness proudly speaks of his Government’s stewardship. He points to impressive results, including 10 consecutive quarters of positive economic growth since the COVID-19 pandemic; record low unemployment rate (4.5 per cent); net international reserves at US$4.5 billion as of November 2023; 55 per cent increase in export earnings for the first quarter of 2023; projected debt-to-GDP ratio of approximately 74 per cent by the end of this fiscal year (compared to being near 150 per cent a decade ago).

For Jamaicans, a comforting thought is that the drive to economic recovery following the doom and gloom of 10 years ago has been actively nurtured by administrations of both political parties.

Mr Holness tells us that this year “the economic focus will be on increasing economic growth by increasing productivity. All Jamaica must produce more in 2024…”

Also, we expect more will be done to ensure all Jamaicans benefit from such growth.

We believe sustainable progress will only be assured if there is national unity and continuity of purpose.

So, Opposition Leader Mr Mark Golding’s assertion that “overcoming our serious challenges requires a collaborative approach…” and that he is “committed to working constructively and in good faith with all well-thinking Jamaicans, regardless of political affiliation or other considerations…” is like music to the ear.

Let’s pull together for the betterment of us all.