Peace, more goodwill and a focus on family they were just some of the hopes for Bermuda as it enters a new decade.

New Year's resolutions are generally made with the intention of improving or changing something, but The Royal Gazette asked politicians and regular Bermudians what their resolutions or hopes are for Bermuda in 2010.

Everyone who was asked "What is your New Year's resolution for Bermuda and why?" had very worthy ideas, gang and gun-related violence was by far the most mentioned issue.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "As the people of Bermuda work together in facing down guns and drug crime, I'd like to see us make greater use of the truth that much more unites than divides Bermuda.

"I find that Bermudians have a national culture, including a natural tolerance, honesty and decency, which I've seen in a few other small island communities, from Bali to the Balearics.

"This national character and identity of purpose is a strong card to play in times of challenge."

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said: "My New Year's resolution for Bermuda is to encourage creativity and innovation in finding solutions to our problems and to discourage our tendency toward more money, concrete and glass as our first reaction to our issues."

He added: "I look forward to a more pro-Bermuda stance by local media."

Warwick resident Daphne Taylor said: "I want Bermuda to have a peaceful new year. My resolution is for the whole Island to get along."

UBP Senate leader Michael Dunkley said: "There is so much I can say as there are so many good resolutions, but to keep it brief I would say on a personal note I pray for health and happiness for family and friends and indeed the people of Bermuda as good health is a solid foundation for life and so often taken for granted.

"On a community level my resolution is to help promote more understanding, tolerance and respect."

UBP leader Kim Swan said: "My New Year's Resolution in 2010, is for the People of Bermuda to realise our true potential by collectively aspiring for a higher plane of excellence in all that we do!

"That in 2010 we as people challenge ourselves, our family, our friends and our work colleagues to act in ways that engender a more wholesome lifestyle grounded in love for humanity, kindness, forgiveness and a quest for excellence in all that we do.

"This is my resolution, which is a hope that I feel many in our country also hold in their hearts.

"Hence, I also pray that a special spirit will blanket our Island and that this resolution of goodness and love will manifest itself and engulf the Bermuda we all love and cherish."

Paget resident Zamari Outerbridge, 16, a Bermudian studying abroad, said: "We really need to stop all the violence.

"Being away at school and hearing about all the shootings and violence that has been happening can really turn myself and others off from coming home.

"My resolution for Bermuda is definitely to stop the violence and shootings."

Robert Nielsen, of Smith's, said: "I have a few New Year's resolutions for Bermuda. I would like there to be more goodwill between Bermudians and less political division.

"A more open and transparent Government and a stop to the gang violence are other things I would like to see in 2010."

One lady who works in Hamilton said she hoped for a place where school children could safely congregate in 2010, rather than "hanging on the streets".

"After school, on weekends and during holidays most kids don't have anything to do," said Leah Richardson of Pembroke.

"There is nowhere for these kids to go so they end up hanging around Hamilton and possibly getting into trouble.

"I would like to see something done so these kids have something to do or somewhere safe and not on the streets to go when not in school."

Donte Hunt, of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance, said he hoped to see a major change in the way that Bermudians deal with family issues.

"In 2010 I would like to see Bermuda focus on getting back to becoming a place with strong family values," said Mr. Hunt.

He added: "It is my opinion that much of our social problems in Bermuda stem from the demise of a healthy family structure."

Horace Morris, a Jamaican national who lives in Bermuda, said: "I think that Bermuda needs to focus more on technical training for the youth.

"There is not very much opportunity for young people to get proper training locally for many trades. I think that this kind of thing could be very good for Bermuda so that is my resolution."