Well-known islanders share their New Year's resolutions

It's New Year's Eve and as everyone prepares for the midnight hour The Sun asked some of the island's most well-known figures what their resolutions were for 2014. 

We also asked them for their highlights and low points of 2013.

Here is what they said:

Premier Craig Cannonier

Resolution: I have no resolutions. Instead, I reiterate my commitment to the people of Bermuda to continue to make Jobs for Bermudians my number one priority in 2014, by going after foreign direct investment to fund our critical infrastructure projects; making the right decisions to stimulate the economy; putting the right policies in place and telling Bermuda's story to increase consumer and investor confidence in the Island once again. 

Best bit of 2013: What comes to mind are the many demonstrations of collaboration that took place throughout the year.  They are the steps that Bermudians took to work together on behalf of their country. I recall the different Christian churches coming together for a National Day of Prayer last May to raise the spiritual element across the Island. Then there was the historic contract agreement  between the Bermuda Trades Union Congress and Government which took into account the government’s debt situation.  Government Ministers and Civil Servants agreed to accept pay cuts for the sake of the greater good.  Then there's  the Tripartite Committee of business, labour and government representatives,  all working together to broaden the input for strategic possibilities for the Island and not to be forgotten is the effort of major grocers coming together to expand food cost relief for their customers. 

Worst bit of 2013: I’m an eternal optimist, even when things look terrible, I am wired to look for the silver lining with people and with situations. 

BEST chairman Stuart Hayward

Resolution: to be a better person, doing things better for my own health and that of my community

Best bit of 2013: the best moment was the assertive stance taken by the Ombudsman Arlene Brock on behalf of the people of Bermuda with her decision to commence an ‘own motion’ investigation into the affairs of the Corporation of Hamilton, and the delivery of her Report to Parliament. 

Worst bit of 2013: Worst was the dashed expectations of a referendum on casino gambling. The public had been given an expectation that a new era of direct public involvement in major-impact decisions was being ushered in. Having that expectation quashed sets back a notch or two the sense of trust that was growing between the public and their new government.

Dr Edward Harris, director of the National Museum

Resolution: To work harder on the preservation of Bermuda's heritage, the presence of which is good for our souls and essential for the recovery of the hotel industry on the Island, especially for increasing visitors in the winter months.

Best bit of 2013: The best thing that happened at the end of the year is that the maritime museum, started in 1975, has been designated the "National Museum of Bermuda", following the approval of the Government in the passage of a Bill through the House of Assembly that formalized the concept originally agreed by the Cabinet in 2009. Also at the end of the year, an artwork album of national importance was donated to the National Museum in perpetuity for Bermuda.

Worst bit of 2013: The worst thing to happen in 2013 was that another of our finest and newest hotels, Tucker's Point, went into receivership: many here do not understand how essential hotels are for Bermuda and for the employment of a majority of our workers, including those at institutions like museums. No amount of cruise ship visitors can make up the potential major deficit in the tourist economy, if we do not rebuild our hotel and guest house infrastructure and improve our service mentality.

Police Commissioner, Michael DeSilva

Resolution: Professionally, my resolution is to spend more time with my officers by going on patrol with them at least once a month. My father taught me that one of the best ways to motivate your staff is to work alongside them. In my personal life, I resolve to spend more time with my young adult daughters, before they get any older.

Best bit of 2013: The best moment for Bermuda this year was declaring the Cup Match 2013 holiday the safest in recent years.

Worst bit of 2013: The worst moment was when the new police submarine failed to launch. (ie the police car got stuck in flood water in Bakery Lane)