A tsunami of achievement

This year we have an additional reason to celebrate National Day as it is the 10th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad's reign, a reign that has seen Bahrain take centre stage on the world map and serve as a shining example of what can be dreamed ... can be achieved.

Yes, Bahrain is 'the small kingdom with a big heart', but to that we should add 'and a King with an even bigger heart'.

His Majesty followed his heart, showed his love for his people by paving the way for major economic, political and social reforms. He has given hope where there was none, he has listened, he has observed and he has taken decisive action at all levels, cramming a century of advancement and achievements into a mere decade.

His patience, compassion and generosity are evidenced in the many cases of forgiveness, pardons and to put it bluntly, second chances he has offered those who some would say don't deserve it.

His unshakeable faith in Allah and in the goodness of man has no doubt been a great companion to him on his visionary journey to bring Bahrain to harmonious prosperity.

The job of being King is not a 'nine to five' job. You cannot simply switch off your mobile phone when you leave the office.

World events do not cease just because Bahrain sleeps.

Opportunities need to be acted on swiftly and potential disaster averted even more swiftly.

Advisors, ministers, consultants, family, friends, enemies ... who do you listen to and trust? Imagine having to be aware that your every decision can affect a million people's lives and their future generations too.

Whilst most Bahrainis are fiercely loyal to their King and country, there are still some who have tried to prevent progress and some who have shamelessly tried to make us take so many steps backwards it would make your head spin.

Intolerance and ignorance are never attractive qualities but when coupled with malicious intent they become downright ugly.

Undeterred by such atrocities, His Majesty's vision, has sharpened, his determination has deepened and his commitment to further develop his nation is stronger than ever.

This will not be the first time that I write about the lack of awareness of the need for our citizens to be educated about their responsibilities as well as their rights.

Democracy is meaningless if it is overshadowed by thoughtless selfishness.

His Majesty's vision for education, healthcare, housing, employment and dignity for all requires more than an injection of cash from government coffers. To truly flourish it needs to be gratefully cherished and nourished by its recipients.

I asked two of our most prominent citizens who have the honour of working with our King to share their thoughts on this special occasion.

Miss Alice Semaan, Second Deputy Chairwoman of the Shura Council had this to say: "As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the accession, we look back in amazement and wonder at the achievements that took place in this short time.

"Following the National Charter Action Referendum in 2002, His Majesty laid the foundation for political, economic and social reforms by amending the Constitution making Bahrain a democratic constitutional monarchy.

"These reforms reflect the desire to preserve and guard the country's security and ensure the rights and economic and social prosperity of his people and their well being.

"The most important reform was the parliamentary elections in 2002 followed by the appointment of an equal number of members to the Shura Council and the appointment of women and representatives of religious and ethnic groups, thus making our legislative branch fully representative of the citizens of Bahrain.

"Bahrain is a model for its society of multiple religions, sects ethnicity and cultural backgrounds who all enjoy the same rights and have the same duties and live together in harmony.

"High among the changes of His Majesty's reform is the full support and backing he has given and continues to give to women, recognising their potential as equal and capable partners in the work force as well as in the decision making positions.

"The past decade saw the appointment of women as members to the Shura Council, cabinet ministers, ambassadors, judges, district attorneys, directors and other high positions.

"The establishment of the Supreme Council for Women under the capable leadership of his wife, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa is a major development in this past decade, as now we reap the benefits of the council and its pioneering programme - The National Strategy for the Empowerment of Women."

Dr Mustafa Al Sayeed, Secretary General of the Royal Charity Fund, whom His Majesty has appointed to ensure the orphans and needy of Bahrain are offered help and support wherever needed in a bid to eradicate the poverty and suffering of his people, shared his thoughts with us too: "His Majesty has a great vision for the people of Bahrain. His vision is to give recognition and encouragement to the Bahraini people regardless of their ethnic background, to achieve their best, as long as they are working for the benefit of the nation.

"He is also a man of great courage to take on such challenging reforms."

For me, personally, a citizen of Bahrain since 1980 and now proudly, a naturalised Bahraini citizen, His Majesty's achievements of the last 10 years that I am most proud of include a commitment to stamp out corruption that is beginning to bear fruit, improved education, housing and healthcare, political reforms, improvement in human rights, proud defense of our national identity and security and my favourite of all, appointing a Bahraini Jewish female ambassador to Washington.

In my book that is the most courageous, wise and visionary move by any Monarch this decade. It left many of our neighbours reeling initially with shock and perhaps with some jealousy that they had not thought to be so cleverly innovative.

To survive and thrive in the global world requires bold, decisive leadership. Bahrain has this in abundance with His Majesty's leadership and the invaluable support of their Royal Highnesses, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Kingdom of Bahrain might geographically just be a drop in the ocean, but when it comes to truly meaningful achievements, His Majesty has shown Bahrain is a tsunami to be reckoned with.

Mabrouk, Your Majesty, and may Allah grant you a long life and continued good health, patience and wisdom to serve your beloved kingdom and her people.