It was a year of controversy, a year of mourning and a year of celebration, but all eyes were on the economy in 2013.

The Island’s weak economy and the newly elected OBA Government’s efforts to rebuild it remained in the headlines throughout the year as the Government battled to create new jobs while reducing its own spending.

Unionised Government workers agreed to a pay cut following negotiations, and the SAGE Commission report proposed a number of potential cost cutting measures following wide consultation. Government highlighted several initiatives aimed at creating both temporary and permanent jobs, but their decisions have frequently been criticised by the Opposition as supporting businesses rather than the working class.

Government passed legislation to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, pledged to end conscription and promised a public debate on the cannabis reform.

But the OBA Government also found itself entrenched in a series of controversies during its first year in office, including the sudden termination of term limits, the scrapping of a promised referendum on gaming and the announced closure of the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre — a decision later reversed.

Government however did not have a monopoly on controversy. The Corporation of Hamilton frequently found itself both in the media, and in the courts, over its handling of a number of issues, including the 262-year lease of the Hamilton Waterfront.

The Island also joined with the world in mourning in 2013. Bermudians were rocked by the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, witnessed first hand terrorist attacks in Nairobi, and Boston, and came together to support those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

And the Island celebrated the unusual and remarkable birth of twins Emyr and Esai Bean — born three months premature and eight days apart — and the successful surgery that saved six-year-old Leighnae Lowe from a brain tumour.

For a full run down of the events and milestones of 2013, see The Royal Gazette’s 2013 Year in Review supplement, included with today’s edition.