Many years ago while a student at Purvis Primary School, my class learnt a song about Bermuda, of which the lyrics are:

“Out in the ocean, so far away.

There’s an island so pretty, where sweet breezes play.

A dream land they call it, where dreams come true.

Just a little bit of happiness on an ocean so blue.

Bermuda, Bermuda! What a wonderful island.”

Numerous positive things that have taken place in Bermuda this past year, by all walks of life. However, one may question, “Why is it that so many of us have chosen to become overwhelmed with the small things?” — or, as my teacher used to say, “a spirit of negativity”.

A new year is upon us, my fellow Bermudians. If we are going to see better days in 2017, we need to learn how to put negativity behind us. We need to make up our minds now that we are not going to live in a negative way and instead make way for the positive only.

In other words, let’s stop pointing the finger at one another, and start to shoulder the burdens that plague our communities. In order for any one of us to go forward this year, we must first have a united vision.

According to Charles R. Swindoll, “vision is spawned by faith, sustained by hope, sparked by imagination, and strengthened by enthusiasm”. One of my all-time favourite writers also said: “All [God’s] biddings are enabling.”

In other words, success in any field in 2017 demands a definite aim, based on a long-term and short-term vision.

If you were narrow in your plans in 2016, you may need to broaden your mind in 2017 if you are planning on reaching your goals for the new year. It is time to raise the bar above “good” and encourage one another to go for “great”. To find meaning for living in our beautiful Bermuda and beyond, whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.

As to those of you who are called to be leaders, it is time for you to take responsibility for what you do and say.

Let’s face it, at times you will have to take risk to succeed, but this is not the song you need to sing every day.

Sometimes you may have to pull back with wisdom and wait until the people are able to see more clearly before you make the next move for progress.

Understand that this is for the good of the community or whatever area of leadership you are called to lead. One must strive always to be an example to all by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

Over the past year, we have seen the problems with thinking negatively in our society. Through negative thoughts, we have seen the manifestation of negative actions in the homes of many people in our communities: the school, the Church, in politics and even our personal lives.

Luckily, the opposite is true. Positive thoughts have helped to build the underprivileged, have encouraged the discouraged, and have helped a great majority of people in our communities. Positivity has also been a means of comforting the families or those who have suffered loss through death, separation, homes and jobs.

At times this past year, we have also seen the hustle and bustle in society where some have gone outside of the spirit of a true Bermudian in trying to get ahead by making more, getting more and being more. However, they have done it at the expense of another. I am reminded today that these types of successes do not amount to much if it comes at the expense of your soul, for not even all the money in the world can buy it back.

In 2017, let your striving be to gain more knowledge and wisdom, rather than continually chasing material things.

My heart goes out today to those of you who have endured many setbacks in 2016. I commend those of you who always seemed to keep a positive attitude, and have gone on to do great things in our communities. A job well done all of you!

You are a reminder that the road doesn’t have to be smooth to enjoy the ride. In fact, you have shown us that the more you enjoy the road you are on, whether good or bad, the smoother it will get.

It doesn’t work the other way around: if you’re not enjoying the rocky road you’re on now, it is only bound to get rockier.

It is about learning how to enjoy every moment of your life and not waiting until things get better before you start enjoying it.

To all, on behalf of my wife and family, happy new year.

• Kevin Santucci is the Chaplain of the City of Hamilton