This is the time of year when people begin to make wishes, plans and resolutions for the New Year.

This week, many people were heard wishing friends a peaceful and prosperous 2009 and they were all hoping that there would be a significant reduction in Jamaica's crime rate.

Difficult for us

There were others who said they hoped to see a reduction in the high cost of living which has been plaguing the poor people in the country for several years. Some people want to see a reduction in noise, particularly loud music day or night, which they say has been a real nuisance.

A schoolgirl says her wish is that more jobs will be available because for the last six months her mother, who has three children has been looking for a job as a household helper to support them. "My mother has not been successful in getting a job and if she does not get one soon, things will be more difficult for us this year ," the girl said. "My mother has to be begging relatives and friends to assist us to get food and go to school," the girl added.

No murders

A 75-year-old woman whose son was robbed and then shot dead last year at his business-place said she was praying that there would be no murders this year.

"Last year was a really rough year for me because I lost my only son, was a hardworking man and was my only source of income," she said.

"Sometimes I don't even turn on my television or radio because when I hear of the numerous killings, it brings back painful memories of my son's murder and it has become unbearable for me," she said. "I am hoping that the government will soon start to hang the murderers because if they kill people then I don't see why their lives should be spared," she added.

Death sentence

There has been no hanging in Jamaica since 1988 but the Offences against the Person Act still gives judges the power to impose the death sentence in some murder cases.

The Houses of Parliament voted last year for the retention of the death penalty so it is expected that hanging will resume soon.