In some countries, childbirth is not only a source of happiness and anticipation but also the most natural reproductive right amongst women. People celebrate pregnancies because they are key to pro-creation or continuation of human existence.

Another day and another defection, and one wonders whether some politicians have a measure of principle.

Many people are longing for a day when the current economic woes will come to an end. This explains why people from all walks of life accepted and embraced the austerity measures introduced by the administration of President Joyce Banda soon after taking over the mantle of power in April and the subsequent passing of the 2012-13 austerity budget.

We have places in the country which are conveniently called flood plains or flood-prone areas and when indeed rains come we expect nothing but floods. However flood visitations are no longer alien in some sacred places if we take Blantyre as an example.

Nature has been kind with us now that rains have started falling in many parts of the country. This is good news for an economy that is agriculture based.

This week, the administration has undertaken two important steps which are critical in the economic recovery process.

The year 2012, which comes to the end today, was marked by a harsh business environment on both the economic and political front, making it a very difficult year for business.

The stench emanating from the polluted waters of Mudi River in Blantyre and Lilongwe River are clear indicators that environmental authorities are failing to handle the issue of pollution control professionally and with the seriousness it deserves.

Christmas means many things to many people. But a little background to the day may help. Christmas is the time Christians all over the world celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Time really flies fast. It's like a joke that 2012 is almost over. As we are celebrating Christmas instead of wallowing in despair and self-pity, courtesy of the prevailing current economic woes, let's look at the bright side of life, and be grateful to God for the precious gift of life we enjoy.

It appears in this country we move in cycles.

Amidst the spectre of hunger afflicting over 1.6million of our citizens, recurring shortages of fuel and forex, we as a nation can afford a smile at the news that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved US$20 million as part of the Extended Credit Facility. This means government will be able to meet its immediate obligations spelt out in the national budget.

Malawi's human resources for health remain one of the most pathetic in the world. According to official statistics, there are only 2 physicians and 38 nurses per 100,000 population.

The drought and the resulting poor harvests of last year continue to have serious effects on lives of people in some parts of the country. The problem has further been worsened by the inavailability of maize in Admarc depots in some parts of the country.

Malawi's Constitution was drawn spontaneously, under the euphoria of multiparty democracy in 1993.

It is not good news when a constitutional body like the Malawi Human Rights Commission [MHRC] laments absence of proper youth policy in our ruling parties.

Despite the fact that national elections are almost a year and half away, the shake ups and executive interference in the affairs of the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec), which is responsible to run free and fair elections, have sparked a backlash.

The decision by the government to ensure that salaries of workers in its companies and the public service are harmonised was a welcome development but the challenge is that days are turning into months without getting any news on its progress.

Government needs reminding that it has the responsibility to provide leadership and save our public resources .This is for public good. Money spent wisely breeds gain. It is our desire to see government resolve labour disputes with maturity to avoid disruptions.

We are a donor-dependent nation and through goodwill from our development partners we have received grants and loans to balance our budgets since we became independent about five decades ago.