Cling to good family values

... Holness asks parents to invest in their children’s morality

PRIME MINISTER Andrew Holness is calling for Jamaicans to recommit to strong and positive family values. “I know that politicians sometimes shy away from talking about family because some fear being judged, but, let me tell you, family is at the heart of my politics. I know there are issues surrounding family, but we should never let them stop us saying loudly and proudly that good, strong families matter. Family values matter, family principles matter,” said Holness.

The prime minister believes that a part of the reason many families are broken is due to the gradual deviation from core values and traits.

“I, in fact, the entire Government have seen where we have deviated from some of those things that we once held close to us as a family. We have replaced those good things with negative things that break us up as a family,” he said.

The prime minister observed that some behaviours and trends are not consistent with the strong value system that successive administrations of government have always sought to promote.

“In fact, we do not pray together anymore. We are too hardened as a society and we need to change that,” the prime minister added.

Prime Minister Holness is of the view that many of the cases of domestic-related violence that have dominated public discourse in recent times could be avoided if the Jamaican society actively promoted and encouraged families embracing good values and traits.

He offered that strong families were a threat to gangs and their survival.

“The family with its values, loyalties and love is too great a rival. So, if as a people we really want to face down crime and violence and bury the gangs, then let’s see how we can improve our family lives and improve how our families function.”

Holness noted that Jamaica’s survival will depend on the strength and influence of the family to keep the society orderly and maintain a culture of thrift.

“As prime minister, I am very uncomfortable when I see us break away from tested norms,” declared Holness.