It is the last day of 2020 and I thought that I would put down on paper my memories of this rather unique year in the history of humanity. In past years we have undoubtedly experienced numerous ups and down, many happy times and many trials and tribulations. This year has been no exception.

At this time last year I was enjoying the warmth and hospitality of my sister’s home in Goa, the land of my forefathers, where I had gone to in order to sort out a few family property matters, including that of my own flat in Colva. By and large I was able to achieve much of what I had set out to do, and returned in the second week of February to the cold and wintry weather in London. Goa has always had a special place in my heart given that the family had an ancestral property in Betalbatim, South Goa. Sadly, there is much that has happened in Goa in the last few years which for me is mostly of a negative nature leading me to feel unhappy at future prospects of this once glorious holiday home for all and sundry. It would not surprise me in the least if the state becomes densely over-crowded and shrouded with a pall of pollution and with corrupt self-centred politicians. That said, one has to enjoy the many positive factors prevalent Goa i.e. the warm sunny weather, the sumptuous Goan foods and above all the friendliness of family and friends still happy to eke out a living in the state all things considered.

Back in the UK, regrettably, in months to follow we were faced with the stark reality of a virus that allegedly emanated from China, and was now threatening the lives and livelihoods of many all over the land. Worse still, many countries the world over were also caught in the grip of so-called COVID -19 virus. Even the mighty country like the USA was struggling to control the epidemic, and currently has the highest rate of infections and deaths in the world to date. Like the USA, other countries, including the UK, have had to face severe lockdowns, quarantines and resulting hardship, in an effort to control the outbreak. At this time of writing even London is now in the highest state of restriction with a dramatic surge in new cases of infection and mortality. Thankfully, scientists have come up with a tried and tested vaccine which is being administered to those at the highest risk, including the elderly in care homes as well those doctors and nurses at the frontline of the fight against this unpredictable virus. In fact in recent weeks there has been a mutation of the virus in the UK, and elsewhere, putting extreme pressure of the NHS at this crucial time of winter.

Over the past few months of confinement, many have had the opportunity to take stock of their lives and endeavour to do some de-cluttering which in my case has become very much-needed. I have also had the time and inclination to tackle outdoor DIY jobs like rebuilding my garden shed, reinforcing broken fencing and cleaning of windows and guttering. We even managed to concrete our shared drive with the help and cooperation of the neighbours. Truth be told this project should have been undertaken years ago when the cost of both materials and labour was lower.

Evidently, one of the outcomes of restrictive measures enforced by the Government is numerous cases of depression and loneliness. Some who have not being able to cope with their plight have given up and resorted to suicide. Local councils are doing their utmost to help their respective citizens, but the hopelessness and grief of some endures. One just hopes that the vaccines help those most at risk. My concern is for the many Goan families recently arrived from Goa who being employed in the hospitality industry, have either been furloughed or lost their jobs entirely, with resultant hardship and anxiety. On a personal level, this time of lockdown has enabled me to catch up with my hobbies of reading, listening to music, playing my guitar and the saxophone, and, when the time allows, watching my favourite sports and westerns on TV. Sadly, Christmas celebrations and get-togethers have had to be put on hold this year. New Year celebrations too will have to be curtailed as stronger measures are imposed by the authorities.

I must make mention of other important events that 2020 has seen, like the much-needed change of administration in the USA, the immense support given to people affected by racial injustice, and more recently a trade deal being struck between the UK and the EU after prolonged Brexit negotiations. One will have to wait and see how things pan out for both sides of this bitter and divisive matter. Whatever life has in store for us in 2021, one hopes that things could only get better. In the meanwhile we must all do whatever is necessary under the circumstances to continue to live our lives with as much normality as possible, trusting in The Almighty to deliver us from the prevailing depressing and restricting conditions.

May the Good Lord bless you and your families!!

Lambert de Lourdes Pereira