THE year 2014 has come to an end. It was quite an eventful year, both locally and internationally.

The year ended with a decision by U.S. President Barack Obama to normalise relations with Cuba which effectively brought to an end over five decades of diplomatic isolation by the United States against the Cuban government.
However, there were also many catastrophic events which saw among others, the disappearance of a Malaysian aircraft en route to China in which scores of passengers perished. Another such mishap took place just a mere days ago again involving another Malaysian aircraft on its way to Singapore.
There was also the continuing tension in the Middle East which saw exchange of artillery and missiles between Israel and the Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Dozens of lives were lost not to mention millions of dollars in terms of damage to property and infrastructure.
Then there was the rise of Islamic extremist elements operating in several countries such as Nigeria where dozens of females were kidnapped by Boko Haram elements who are opposed to western education especially among females. The scale of deaths and destruction is most worrying.
The rise of ISIS in Syria, Iraq and other neighbouring countries has also posed a major challenge to the United States and other Governments in the Region.
The conflict in the Central African Republic and South Sudan has also grabbed international headlines if only because of the brutality and savage nature of the killings and massacre that took place.
Tensions between Russia and the western world over Ukraine and the Crimea has not escaped international spotlight.
At the local level, the decision by President Donald Ramotar to prorogue Parliament has certainly taken centre stage following attempts by the combined Opposition to move a No-Confidence Motion against his administration.
The new year of 2015 promises to be yet another challenging if not exciting year due to impending national elections.
Most Guyanese look forward to a return to normalcy to the body politic in 2015 following a gruelling parliamentary impasse which saw the Opposition parties using their one-seat majority to stymie the Government’s legislative and developmental agenda.

A happy and productive new year to all Guyanese!

HYDAR ALLY