Residents reflect on 2025, look ahead to 2026

As 2025 draws to a close and the new year approaches in Barbados, individuals in Bridgetown shared their responses to the question: “What was your proudest moment in 2025 and what are your hopes for 2026?”

Their answers revealed reflections not on material gain but life itself, making it through another year and the determination to keep moving forward.

For Yvonne Seales, reaching another milestone stood out most.

“Being 71,” she said, describing it as her proudest moment. With another birthday approaching, Seales said she hopes to see many more years. She said she also wants to see her grandchildren achieve, boasting that “one will be going in the police force next week.”

There was a significant change for Daheem Murray’s life in 2025 as he moved to Barbados from overseas.

He said “leaving home to take on something new in Barbados” was one of his proudest moments. For 2026, Murray has clear ambitions, saying his goal is “to stop work for people” as he wants to become his own boss.

The year 2025 was a trying time for Winston Cumberbatch because it marked a season of loss and renewed appreciation for life.

“I just see too many people today and tomorrow you hear that they’re dead,” Cumberbatch said.

He recalled a recent hospital visit, which showed how fleeting life can be.

“I talk wid he and Friday when somebody tell me de man dead I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

Despite it all, Cumberbatch says, “Every day you wake up, you gotta be thankful. I live one day at a time cause my imagination not too far in front me.”

Marcado Jones said, “I’m still alive in 2025… and that’s the most important thing in my life.” After battling from 2024 to 2025 with sickness, he thanked God for making it through the year. For the new year, Jones is “waiting on the Almighty” because “the Almighty is who dictates my life and whatever He do, I’m satisfied with”.

Offering a brief but pointed response, Curt Toney summed up his hope for the year to come simply, saying he is “hoping to complete the same thing”.

As Barbados prepares to welcome 2026, these voices share gratitude for life, resilience through hardships and hope for continued strength in the year to come.

(LE)