The traditional joy of wishing for gifts from Santa Claus has long died out with fewer children believing in the jolly fellow today.

But at the StandPoint, we will make use of Santa Claus as our figure head and wish for several things that we would like to see  in the New Year.

Firstly, we wish for peace and goodwill on earth for all mankind.

We pray for the children of the world and wish no child has to go hungry, and poverty becomes a thing of the past.

We wish that our learnt scientists find a cure for HIV/AIDS – a disease that is threatening the very existence of mankind.

We wish that the world powers see the need to unite as one and use their heavy resources for peace rather than cause war.

We wish that Afghanistan and Iraq be restored to some state of normalcy where the innocent civilians not have to worry about suicide bombers and being caught in cross fires.

We wish for even more peace in the Middle East and ceasefires that will never be demolished.

Locally, this year’s crime rate shows a general decline in crime in the Territory – we wish for that figure to reduce significantly for the New Year. Six murders have been recorded for the year so far, a number that is too much for a small territory. One that will always linger in the mind is the J’Overt Morning altercation that subsequently took the lives of two youth.

Let us continue to strive for a lower crime rate and the community and police share a better relationship.

We wish for the members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to receive the recognition they deserve. The recent letters posted in this newspaper, has shown that law officers are not only unhappy but they are ready to speak out and probably do whatever it takes to ensure they get the recognition and respect they so deserve. May the Governor take heed of this growing concern in the force and address their issues.

A new political party is steering the course of the country – we wish the Virgin Islands Party Government success in the New Year in their efforts to further improve the Territory and delivering what they have promised.

We wish that the media be given the respect it deserves and be treated equally. We wish that members of the media also treat each other with respect and value the work of their colleagues.

The latest twist in the liberalization of the telecommunications market here has seen Digicel receiving a 15-year license after it challenged the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission’s decision for not accepting its application earlier this year and won the right to have its application reconsidered.

All in all, this year has been one that will always be remembered for the many accomplishments. The Territory is also being guided by a new constitution, an achievement that has shown the Territory’s maturity as a British Overseas Territory.

The Virgin Islands StandPoint also has some achievements of its own, the 10-year-old newspaper has been renamed from the BVI StandPoint to the V.I. StandPoint with the aim to serve the greater Virgin Islands. In addition, our office has also been relocated from the Lower Estate location to Quomar Building # 2 on Fort Hill.

We would like to thank our valued readers and advertisers for their support throughout the year. We know we have had our difficulties but thank you for sticking with us. We look forward to your continued support in 2008 and promise to deliver an improved product that will continue to deliver accurate and objective reporting.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Productive New Year. 

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