The holidays are over and the New Year is under way. What’s been happening in JA you ask? Well a lot of things haven’t changed. The greatest concern is still the crime rate. However there does seem to be a feeling of anticipation in the air. Maybe it’s just the idea of the beginning of the New Year. Or maybe it’s the feeling of uncertainty that comes with expected change. And nuff changes are expected this year.
The hottest topic of all conversations today is about the race for the leadership of the People’s National Party. Prime Minister P.J Patterson has finally announced the date for his resignation. Who will be the next PNP leader and interim Prime Minister of Jamaica? What will this change mean for the country, if any? After all who ever is chosen has been a member of the party all along.

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There is also some amount of anxiety for public sector workers with the upcoming end of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). For the past three years the MOU has restricted any salary increase for these workers despite the growing inflation rate over the period. Everyone is expectant that their patience will finally pay off, but will it?
The Caricom Single Market is another area where many Jamaicans hope to gain from this year. Exactly how we will benefit is still not one hundred percent clear to most of us; however the experts insist that it will present new opportunities so we are anxious to see.
At the same time the Jamaican dollar reached an all time low today. One US dollar is worth $65.02 Jamaican dollar. Surly this can’t be a good sign.
With all these different life changing possibilities taking place in our nation Jamaicans are presently in a wait and see mood. We all want everything to turn out right however we are skeptical because of past experiences.
In the meantime all who can afford it is planning to take in even one night of the most talked about event at present, the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. It will be held in Montego Bay this week Thursday to Saturday.
You see, that’s the beauty of Jamaicans, we always find something to be excited about. In the midst of all the uncertainties ahead of us for the year 2006 we still find ways to enjoy ourselves while praying for the best.