With less than 24 hours before year 2007 ends, the main topic on almost everyone's lips is the issue of crime and violence, which has become a severe scar on the nation's face.

But amid a spike in violent crime, some Jamaicans remain optimistic as they make plans for 2008.

Among the most popular goals for the New Year are wishes for better health, spending more time with loved ones, career and education plans.

For Mark Rhooms, making time for his family and friends is at the top of his list.

"I think I was a workaholic last year, and so come next year, I really plan to make more time for my loved ones," the teacher told The Gleaner in Half-Way Tree yesterday afternoon.

Less materialism

Rhooms said he also hopes that in the New Year, Jamaicans will focus less on materialism and more on being neighbourly. He also predicts that Jamaicans will start spending less and conserve more.

"People are going to be more frugal in their spending instead of being extravagant."

Children's Advocate Mary Clarke is hoping for more strength and wisdom to continue the task of protecting Jamaica's children.

"Our main goal is to scale up our public education programme," she said. "We're hoping that more Jamaicans will become aware of the children around them and more knowledgeable of their rights."

Change of career

Suzette Cain, who The Gleaner also met in Half-Way Tree yesterday, hopes 2008 will find her in a new career. Now working as a streetside vendor, Cain plans to go back to school to learn cosmetology.

"It's always been a dream," she told The Gleaner. "I've already enrolled in a school and will be starting classes soon."

Cain is also looking forward to better health as she is recovering from surgery. She also hopes that year 2008 will herald an increase in the minimum wage. "It is impossible for people to survive on the minimum wage at what it stands at present."

With the obvious strains and challenges ahead, Corporal Damian Brown is striving to go back to school in the coming year. In addition to securing a first degree, the cop hopes to maintain a good home for his new bride and child. "I'm looking forward to a brighter year," he said.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com