It's A New Year So Let's Look Behind at 2009

It's officially 2010, a new year and the dawn of a new decade in human history and 2009 is a year that has been marked in history. 2009 has been a year of changes, a year of struggles and hardship and a year of accomplishments on the world seen and personally for so many people, myself included. So many things happened in 2009 that it would take more than one post to cover, but I will limit this recap to the most significant events in 2009 through my eyes.

The year started of with an event that was a highlight in the history of our modern civilization and for people of African decent the world over. The great United States of America witnessed the swearing in of the first black president, Barack Obama, a feat most of us only dream of seeing.

However, even though such great history was being made, the world was still feeling the repercussions of the financial plunge the world experienced beginning the year before in 2008. 2009 marked another year of global economic downturn and turmoil marked by the closure of many businesses and massive loss of employment.

The music fraternity and millions of fans worldwide experienced the loss of the greatest music icon to ever grace our century, Michael Jackson. the King of Pop, passed under questionable circumstances at the age of 50. The news of his death and subsequent memorial was filled with emotions as the world said good bye to this awesome yet controversial musical genius and humanitarian.

The loss of celebrities did not stop at Michael Jackson though, as well know actors Farrah Fawcett and Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze passed.

2009 like the year before, witnessed another lightening storm on the tracks the fastest man on earth, reinforced his title by shattering his world record at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin Germany. However, the onslaught of Gold and recognitions were also shared by the Jamaica track team as several members of the Jamaican entourage claimed record and Gold medals much to the delight of the Jamaican fans.

H1N1, aka Swine flu rocked the world as reports of death and increasing infection gripped the world, including Jamaica. The attack of the Swine Flu reached epidemic rate and scared many nations prompting governments all over, including Jamaica, to formulate plans in an effort to contain the outbreak of this deadly flu.

Locally, both the media and the performing arts fraternity lost two of its well known members, Michael Pryce and Trevor Rhone, respectively. Both of which has made a considerable contribution to their respective fields.

Jamaica continues to feel the effect of El Nino as the drought stretched along the greater part of 2009. The resulted in an increase in water lock-offs throughout the greater corporate area as the government and the NWC grapples with water management.

Famous Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall artiste, Buju Banton, was arrested by the US Feds, on charges of of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and faces up to 20 years in prison.

The ruling JLP announced the most dreadful tax package the nation has seen, just before the Christmas holidays, much to the displeasure of the Jamaican people.

On a personal note, I experienced what it feels like to see a close family member battle with cancer. I like so many of my coworkers was made redundant and joined the ranks of the unemployed. However, I see my hobby of photography grow over the months of 2009 and purchased my first DLSR camera as swell as the never ending purchase of photo gear.

2009 was certainly a challenging year with it;s fair share of ups and downs, or probably more than it's fair share of downs. 2010 will no doubt be a challenging year, but it too will be full of endless possibilities. It's up to up to try and capitalize on some of those opportunities and hope for the best. May you all make the best of the new year and accomplish your goals.