Another year has gone by, and we brace ourselves for 2026. It has been quite a year. It started with a bang and the high octane political dramas, nationwide blackouts, media restriction, a new government, and dengue fever taking the lives of children, among other things has continued until the end.

By now, most of us have realised that seeking transparency and accountability will be tough from the government. We hope that with the dawn of the new year, there is a realisation that for a nation to prosper, transparency and accountability remain important. There is also a move to control the media, and this will only lead to silencing and blinding the people of this nation.

This year has taught us a lot, and it has brought to the forefront things like electoral corruption, misuse of district grants, poor infrastructure, medicine shortages and failure by those in power to be accountable to the people of this country. Families have lost children to dengue fever; we sympathise with the losses.

As tradition has been, many will be taking stock of what has been achieved, where things have gone wrong, and what made us proud, happy, sad, and or angry. We mark the start of a new year by observing old traditions and also creating new ones (or at least hoping to do so) that make our lives better or easier: being a better friend, volunteering for a charitable cause, practising patience or, perhaps, finally starting that new project.

As we look forward to the New Year, here are perhaps some of the resolutions that could be adopted by politicians, public figures, sportspeople and everyday Samoans. There is renewed hope in the people that the political leaders will finally become more transparent and accountable to the people they serve. The nation needs our leaders to have these qualities as they move forward in fulfilling the promises they have made. They have to serve the people and not themselves. The same goes for all government departments and state-owned enterprises.

We salute the health workers, who, despite being under-resourced, underpaid and working in unfavourable conditions, still managed to serve the people of this country. Similarly, all those nominated for People of the Year have stood out. 

As we await the dawn of 2026, the Samoa Observer would like to wish the Head of State His Excellency Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese and members of the judiciary, Speaker of the House Auapa'au Mulipola Aloitafua, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and his cabinet, all members of parliament, heads of government departments, the diplomatic corp, the hard working members of the business community and all Samoans, a very happy and prosperous New Year.