2015 Year Review

There are great things about writing freely in a Special Administrative Region with freedom of speech and in a free newspaper. One of them is that you may choose the theme and even consider yourself good enough to give honours and remarks to whomever you want! Begging the pardon of those who could be also listed, here they are (in alphabetical order): Association of the Year Macau Special Olympics – in the World Games that took place in Los Angeles, the champions took many medals to the Region. Hopefully they will continue to be supported by society and the politicians. Thank you Champions! Decision of the Year Enlargement of Macau – Macau Special Administrative Region has seen its territory enlarged by a decision of the Central Government. We do hope that the administration of the granted 85 square kilometres will be effective and will have the residents’ needs and expectations in mind. International event of the Year The terrorist attacks around the world – the famous quote of Thomas Hobbes, Homo homini lupus, is, unfortunately very actual and present in our days. It seems that only those of Paris were important but we shall not forget what happened in other parts of the world. And the destruction of sites such as Palmyra should make the powers of this world think about the path the planet is taking. Joke of the Year The influence of humidity in the speed of Internet – “The fixed network of telecommunications may be affected by, for instance, the humidity”, by the Director of the Regulation of Telecommunications Bureau. Local event of the Year Downturn in the gaming industry – I tend to continue to not call it a crisis, but the fact is that the figures are raw. Operators will need to adapt themselves to the “new normal”. As the Governments shall, once and for all, start supporting the true diversification, without creating the barriers that are installed. Mistake of the Year Portugal calling magistrates to return – it seems that the Portuguese politicians do not understand what Macau represents in terms of judicial cooperation, and what can be good for those that make the justice their lives. It is an irreparable mistake that only small minds can support. Politician of Year Mr. Raimundo do Rosário – changed the way of acting as Secretary in Macau and finally started to give answers to the city’s problems. We have seen the light railway conclusively moving forward. Despite we may not agree with what happened in the recent years, Mr. Rosário has decided to decide according to the law in the land grants that have expired. Up and coming of the Year Uber in Macau – finally, we have in Macau one of the greatest inventions of our times that can change the way we live and we behave with our mobility. Hopefully, the Macau Government can see that this can be the solution for several problems, including the traffic jams and the price of the parking spaces and the pollution and many other problems we currently have. We wish you a great 2016 with only great events to be mentioned!