Celebrations give hope for brighter year ahead

FIREWORKS exploded over Sydney’s shimmering harbour yesterday as the world’s first major city to ring in 2009 celebrated the end of a rocky year with cheers, beers and a sense of relief.

Partygoers everywhere struggled to forget their troubles on what is typically a joyous night.

In the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo spoke of hope for better days to come, while in Hong Kong, some admitted they were too depressed over their monetary woes to join in the revelry. And in Malaysia, the government — mindful of the shaky economy — opted against sponsoring any celebration at all.