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A bright end to a year of turbulence

Source: Agencies | January 1, 2009, Thursday | Print Edition

FIREWORKS exploded in a kaleidoscopic shower of light over Sydney's shimmering harbor as the world's first major city to ring in 2009 celebrated the end of a decidedly rocky year with cheers, beers and a sense of relief.

Spectator Randolph King, 63, of York, England, whose retirement fund was gutted in the global financial crisis, summed up the feeling of many across the world as 2008 came to a close: "I'm looking forward to 2009," he said. "Because it can't get much worse."

Facing the end of a year that saw global markets come crashing down - taking the world's morale with them - partygoers struggled to forget their troubles on what is typically a joyous night.

In the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo spoke of hope for better days to come. In Malaysia, the government - mindful of the shaky economy - opted against sponsoring any celebration at all.

In Sydney, the midnight pyrotechnic extravaganza, which organizers hoped would give revelers a brief respite from the global gloom, drew a cheering crowd of more than a million people. Fireworks zigged and zagged against the backdrop of Sydney's famed Harbor Bridge and simulated rain, thunder and lightning built toward a booming "creation storm," in keeping with the evening's theme of new beginnings.

Armed with blankets, snacks and umbrellas to protect against the searing Australian summer sun, tens of thousands waited hours along the shores of the city's glittering harbor for the midnight fireworks extravaganza.

Children screamed with glee as a kaleidoscopic fireworks display for youngsters erupted at 9pm over the water, a prelude to the main event later in the night.

The evening's theme, "Creation," was chosen in part because 2008 was such a dreary year, said the celebration's creative director, Rhoda Roberts.

"It is about reflecting and looking at what's happened in the past and moving forward," she said. "It's a time for the community to gather, to reflect, and also to move on and to simply have a little bit of joy and celebration in their lives."

In India, many were happy to see the end of 2008, during which the country was rocked by a series of terrorist attacks in several cities culminating in a three-day siege in Mumbai in which gunmen killed 164 people.

"The year 2008 can best be described as a year of crime, terrorist activities, bloodshed and accidents," said Tavishi Srivastava, 51, an office worker in the northern city of Lucknow. "I sincerely hope that 2009 will be a year of peace and progress."

The year was also tough on India's economy. Rising inflation and the global meltdown slowed the growth needed to lift hundreds of millions out of poverty, while stock exchanges plummeted, hitting the rich and middle class.

In Tokyo, dozens of volunteers stirred huge pots of New Year's rice-cake soup, pitched tents and doled out blankets and clothing to the needy.

A "New Year's Village for Temporary Workers" was set up for the first time to provide free meals and shelter in a park. About 100 people signed up to spend New Year's Eve at the village, which will hold a countdown ceremony and be open until January 5.

Japan has long boasted a system of lifetime employment at major companies, but that has unraveled this year amid the financial crisis.

"There's no work," muttered Mitsuo Kobayashi, 61, picking up a wool scarf, a coat and pants at the village, and stuffing them in his paper bag. "Who knows what next year will bring?"

In Thailand, after a year of near-daily protests - and six months in which demonstrations almost paralyzed the government - the country was finally calm on the last day of 2008 as loyalists of ousted ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra took off for a five-day national holiday. Many of the protesters come from Thailand's rural northeast and have few opportunities to get home except for longer holidays such as New Year's.

In the Philippines, President Arroyo looked toward the future: "I pray for greater peace and stability," Arroyo said. "I hope that we can all work together as a global community to weather these storms."

President Dmitry Medvedev assured Russians on New Year's Eve the government would help them cope with whatever difficulties they face in 2009 as the country suffers in the global economic storm.



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