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World bids adieu to a rocky 2008; worries over '09
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-01 08:43 For many around the world watching the new year arrive, 2008 had not been pretty. Slumping stocks. Disappearing jobs.
"I'm looking forward to 2009," said Randolph King of England, whose retirement fund was gutted in the global financial crisis. "Because it can't get much worse." After the most volatile financial year in decades, people paused for a deep breath and a sip of ... perhaps something cheaper than champagne. "We're not going to celebrate in a big way. We're being careful," said architect Moussa Siham, 24, as shoppers in the affluent area west of Paris were scaling back purchases for the traditional New Year's Eve feast. The new year also brought tragedy, as rescue workers in Thailand said at least 59 New Year's revelers died in a fire that swept through a popular nightclub in Bangkok, with about another 130 injured. In the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI called for "soberness and solidarity" in 2009. During a year's end vespers service Wednesday evening, the pope said these times are "marked by uncertainty and worry for the future" but urged people not to be afraid and to help each other. Others tried to forget their troubles, for at least one night. Fireworks exploded in a kaleidoscopic shower of light over Sydney's shimmering harbor on New Year's Eve, 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 everywhere 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, while in Hong Kong, some admitted they were too depressed over their monetary woes to join in the revelry. And 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. "It is about reflecting and looking at what's happened in the past and moving forward," the celebration's creative director, Rhoda Roberts, said of the night's "creation" theme, chosen in part to reflect the struggles of 2008. "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." But in Hong Kong, where thousands were expected at popular Victoria Harbor for a midnight fireworks display, those who had investments linked to collapsed US bank Lehman Brothers said there was little joy to be found. "I don't think there's any reason for me to celebrate after knowing that my investment is worth nothing now," said electrical repairman Chan Hon-ming, who had purchased a $30,000 Lehman-backed investment. 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 179 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. The "New Year's Village for Temporary Workers" was set up for the first time this year 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 through Jan 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 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." Agencies |
