Resolutions, they're as much a part of New Year's celebrations as the St.

George's onion, champagne and choruses of Auld Lang Syne.

And despite the best of intentions, it is the one custom that is usually broken by January 2.

All around the Island, people are continuing a tradition that has been going on for centuries by making their last New Year's resolution for the 20th century.

Like most of us, Bermuda's Members of Parliament are make lofty plans for 1999, but unlike the rest of us they all intend to see their resolutions through to the year 2000.

Over at the House of Assembly, MPs are hoping for a safe and memorable 1999.

Speaker of the House Stanley Lowe said he hoped the last year of the 20th century would be a prosperous one for all.

And Health and Family Services Minister Nelson Bascome said he had made a few resolutions for 1999.

"If I had one major one for myself it would be for time to deal with not only personal issues but professional ones as well.'' "For my family, I wish health and for my children I would like them to have prosperity in their education.'' Mr. Bascome's counterpart on the opposite side of the House said she planned to focus her attention on one of her ongoing crusades.

Shadow Health and Family Services Minister Kim Young said she plans to continue trying to promote peace and harmony between all the races on the Island.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary veteran and Smith's South MP C.V. (Jim) Woolridge pledges to continue to do his best in everything he attempts in 1999.

"That is always my resolution, it's the same every year.'' But Hamilton East MP Derrick Burgess said he did not make New Year's resolutions because he preferred to focus on his goals each day -- not once a year.

"I don't make them,'' he confessed. "I'm so involved with the day-to-day things, not the year-to-year thing.

"And if you make them each year it will only remind you that you are getting a year older,'' he chuckled.

Over at the Upper House, Senate president Olf Oughton echoed Mr. Burgess' pragmatic approach.

"I never make them,'' he admitted, "that way I don't have to worry about breaking them.'' But Senate leader Milton Scott said that starting on January 1, he plans to make more time for his Creator.

"I want to go to Church more often,'' he confessed.

And Senator Patricia Gordon-Pamplin said she will continue working on an agenda she has already set in motion.

"I want to continue the spirit of cooperation and to do my best to make sure we get a synergy of ebony and ivory in this country.'' Alf Oughton Stanley Lowe