While much of the world is occupied with dealing with a spin-off variant from the Delta virus, including Bermuda, stability in our global community has been shattered close to the breaking point, trying to cope with challenges never seen before. A major international effort to vaccinate as many as possible to stem what seems a runaway pandemic has encountered stumbling blocks with those who reject vaccinations and wearing masks. An additional problem is getting medical supplies to people is desperate need in areas of military conflict, and poverty, where for millions the main concern is simply finding something to eat.

Closer to home, America continues to struggle with the rapidly spreading Omicron which, according to experts, might not be as deadly as the Delta strain, but transmits at a much faster rate. This results in labour shortages in hospitals and businesses as people who test positive must isolate. Governments are placed in the unedifying position of having to make decisions that alter patterns of life for all, including the business community. When the business community in any country is disrupted even in wealthy powerful nations, it takes a heavy toll on life for all.

As the Christmas lights are turned off and the smoke clears from New Year’s fireworks, a new year is beginning. The grim reality is that while every effort must be made to remain positive, the change of date will not remove the many pressing issues that countless nations face related to basic human rights that every human on this earth should be entitled to. None of this will change overnight. There will never be enough journalists worldwide to fully examine and reveal without fear of repercussions those in powerful positions who fear loss of power more than any type of virus. In too many regions on this planet there are leaders who thrive on keeping people in fear with brute force and deeply resent the free press probing into their affairs.

No one has to be an expert of international affairs to know that all is not well in the global hunger for truth and justice for all.

The degree of problems can vary according to geographical locations and population factors, but it is clear that much needs to be done even from the United Nations in playing a bigger role in helping to promote true justice for all, despite some leaders who resent anyone questioning their policies. There are millions of men, women and children living in the dark shadows of tyranny with no voice, on a planet with space stations circling the globe and billions of dollars being spent on probing outer space.

When a frail mother looks down at her child dying of hunger in any land, and the moment is lost forever in untold chapters of history, that mother must wonder what purpose there is to life if this can happen in a world while people elsewhere go about their business as usual.

The world is a long way from truth and justice for all. That is not a reason to abandon efforts to demand that no nation should tolerate any policy that threatens keeping truth and justice from the front pages of community life.

When anyone in any nation considers themselves above the law in dealing with the people’s business, and there is a reluctance to take action, the justice system should be questioned over its role in ensuring no one is above the law.

The average citizen is aware that people are serving time behind bars for doing far less than some in positions of authority who act as though they are protected by political or social status. The health of any nation rests with its commitment to truth and justice for all. Anything short of that is a few steps away from authoritarian rule.

The new year will be challenging in many ways because until the global health situation is brought under control, with greater help from all nations, there will be suffering on a massive scale in some regions, where people are oppressed with little hope of escape from those clinging to power by any means.

Here in Bermuda, despite problems that have existed for years, we must pause and review anything that could at least reduce recklessness on our roads, stem the use of illegal drugs and find ways to strengthen and rebuild family life.

Again, nothing is going to change overnight. All the words in the world, no matter how well meaning, will never replace action in trying to make the world a safe place for all. Each day is a challenge and every little step in the right direction could mean the difference between success and failure. Failure should never be an option.