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Poor parenting the root of Ja's problems, says GG

Published:Saturday | May 3, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen

Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has reiterated his call for Jamaicans to instill better parenting practices, as he says improper parenting is to be blamed for many of the current ills facing the country.

"We've discovered that many of the challenges in our nation are emanating from poor parenting or no parenting, and we cannot just cover that with a brushstroke and move on as if we are not aware of the fact that the home is the foundation of the nation," Sir Patrick said.

The governor general was speaking at a special meeting to address justices of the peace from the parish of St James at the West Jamaica Conference Centre in Montego Bay on Monday.

Citing that many young people who are parents lack parenting skills, the governor general stressed that more must be done to assist those who are failing to become better caregivers and role models for their children.

decline in morality

"Many of our young people who are parents lack the skills of parenting ... . There are certain values that must be communicated to our children if they are going to grow in a society where they respect each other, where we care for each other," he said.

"We have seen over the last few decades the decline in morals and values, and as a result of that, we feel that if we don't get involved and do something, sooner or later we will fall by the way, and we don't want that to happen because so many people believe in us as a nation," he added.

Sir Patrick highlighted the Parenting Jamaica Programme, which was conceptualised by Family Life directors Dr Barry Davidson and Dr Faith Linton in collaboration with the governor general's 'I Believe Initiative' (IBI). Parenting Jamaica is dedicated to providing support for parents to improve their skills and enable them to become better caregivers. Currently, the programme is being disseminated via an islandwide multimedia campaign.

The governor general said cooperation was needed from JPs and other stakeholders within the society in order for the programme to achieve the kind of impact which was needed to create a positive transformation.

"I don't think there is any force stronger or any other group of people more resilient and committed than the Jamaica people. When we want to get something done, we can get it done... so we are trying to get the participation of our JPs and our stakeholders all across Jamaica to assist us in this programme," he said.

He expressed confidence in the ability of Jamaica's young people to become nation builders, adding that they needed to be motivated by adults who are more experienced.

"I have every confidence in the capacity of our young people to become effective nation builders. But we must get them to believe in themselves, they must have a little affirmation from those of us who have walked that way before," he said.