AS Guyana marks International Day of Families today,  First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar, has called on families countrywide, whether single-parent, nuclear or extended, to give careful thought to this to this important social institution called family in all its manifestations.

The following is the full text of her message on this important day in the life of families the world over:
“May 15 has been designated by the United Nations as International Day of Families. This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.
“Each year on this day, the United Nations encourages observances and reflections on families, and on issues confronting family life. On this day, I wish to extend greetings to all the families throughout the world, more so Guyanese families, and to urge that special attention be paid to this important social institution in its many manifestations.
“There are many types of families in Guyana, single-parent, nuclear and extended included; none should be considered as superior to the other.
“Throughout our history, each has played its role as the most basic cell of social organisation; each is valued, and each should be supported to continue to provide material and emotional sustenance to its members, and to inculcate the values and beliefs that create a sense of belonging within our society.
“Families play a pivotal role in human socialization; it is most often within the family that children first experience sustained and unconditional love. It is to the family that a child will turn for succor and comfort; it is within the family that the child learns to express love; it is within the family in which children develop values that serve as their moral compass.
“The environment that is cultivated within families is therefore pivotal to the development of our children, and in turn to the creation of harmonious societies, and ultimately towards human and social development. The family therefore needs to be protected from neglect.
“On this International Day of Families 2014, I would like to encourage all Guyanese to recommit towards the care and nurturing of families; to recognize its tremendous value to the quality of life of all citizens: and to commit towards the building of loving and supportive families.
“May this day remind us of the beauty and importance of family life, and of the necessity of preserving and sustaining this most vital institution!”