Let’s make 2005 the best it can be

What have you resolved to change, or improve for the new year? Is it to trim off the pounds you put on during the Christmas season in order to fit into that two-piece costume for Carnival, or is it to apply more caution when driving on the roads. How about loving each other more? Sunday Newsday interviewed a few local personalities, among them politicians, models, entertainers and business people, who told of their wishes, resolutions and plans for 2005.

JAMEELAH PHILLIPS — Miss La Reine Rive 2004/dancer/ singer/actress: “I would like the young people and everybody on the the streets to take their time. I am a performer and I know what it is like rushing from show to show for Carnival. My personal wish — to take the mantle in becoming ambassador of culture for Trinidad and Tobago and be an effective one at that. It is a weighty task to an extent; but I just love our culture and I wish everybody could see it through my eyes. A lot of people take it for granted and I want everybody to know what it is about and see us as Trinidadians. This would include going around speaking to the youths and letting them become more empowered. They are following American stylized lifestyle and once they learn about our culture, this can effect a change in their view. And I hope the Minister of Culture would help me.

KEES DIEFFENTHALLER — Vocalist with Imij & Co: “I like to live every moment of this life with love and without fear no matter how scary. I also wish to have more time to spend with family this year.”

KENNY DE SILVA — Chairman National Carnival Commission/businessman: “I wish for a level of less violence in society, and that we take time to understand each other. We have to start from the home and we can’t only depend on the protective services...we have to go back to old values. I’m hoping that we have a very safe Carnival and I wish everybody a Happy New Year!
“On a personal note, I am asking God for good health and I don’t need more than that.”

WADE MARK — UNC Chairman: “My wish is for our nation of Trinidad and Tobago to become more united, more harmonised, more civilised in an effort to engage in greater sustainable economic and social development, with the view of improving the overall quality of life of the citizenry of this republic.
“I would also like to see a return to safety, security and peace of mind of the citizenry; too many mothers and fathers, daughters and sons are perishing via murders and we believe that the government has not been able to actually get on top of this major scourge that is having a debilitative impact on the overall psyche and psychology of the society of TT.
“I would also like to see an end to discrimination and victimisation of citizens of this country who happen to be associated to another political organisation and I would also like to see a certain degree of harmony, unity and general freedom pervading the general atmosphere of our nation which would lay the foundation for genuine economic growth, development and transformation of our economy, our society and of course our nation. “For me I would like Almighty God to give me strength, more wisdom and knowledge to continute this struggle...in performing my task, duties and responsibilities with the objective of maintaining and promoting democracy, freedom and liberty.”

RHIAN VIALVA — Professional model/former delegate in the Miss TT beauty pageant: “I wish to be 16 again (laughter). On a more serious note though, I wish for health, strength, happiness and prosperity for me and those dearest to me. And for my Trinidad and Tobago, I wish that our culture hits the world stage with a bang.

FRANKLIN KHAN — Minister of Works and Transport/PNM Chairman/MP for Ortoire/Mayaro: “My wish is to see if I can, from a work standpoint, make a significant improvement in traffic management issues in the country, in terms of public transport.
“Personally, I wish to exercise a little more and take better care of my health — to have better eating habits because sometimes I skip meals. And with all my responsibilities I still need to manage my time to be able to spend more quality time with my family.”

FR DAVID KHAN — Newly ordained RC Priest at Moruga: “First of all, my New Year’s resolution will see that each person start respecting each other so that respect will grow for one another. By doing so we will really develop harmony and peace we long for, bringing about a reduction in crime and seeing people for who they are.
“My personal wish is to strive to build relationships with people I encounter and to build bridges in differences of races and backgrounds.

MARLENE COUDRAY — CEO San Fernando City Corporation: “I wish that everybody would be safe. Personally, I would continue to be close to my family and work hard; hard work gets you everywhere... I have been giving support to persons, particularly workers because there are a lot of people who suffer in silence and I want to devote more time to people like that.”