International Day of Families
Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence
Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence

– Statement by Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence

TODAY is a global day in acknowledgement and celebration of families. Today, 15thth May, 2016, is a special day because it calls for nations around the world to refocus on the Family and to restore the familial structure and core values which our societies so proudly upheld. More than two decades ago, the United Nations declared May 15,1994,as International Day of the Families. The social and economic realities challenging our families then were daunting, threatening to disintegrate the family. In the wake of mounting anxieties and fears, the need was expressed for the global spotlight to be focused on families; and it was at this juncture that the International day of Families was conceived.
Today, the family remains functional in the face of even greater challenges. Some of the issues of yore (smaller households, increase in separation/divorces, changes in gender and inter-generational relations) are still evident and to those have been added the alarming incidence of domestic violence and abuse, suicide, the emergence of the LGBT group and the global acceptance of same-sex marriages, among others. The family despite these challenges has demonstrated resilience, but undoubtedly the family structure has weakened under these overwhelming pressures, hence the theme for this year Families, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future.
Will Durant astutely observed, “The family is the nucleus of civilization. The importance of the family cannot be disputed, for it’s from this core that our society of doctors, teachers, professionals and others is recruited.The family is the transmitter of values and Alex Haley reminds us that “in every conceivable manner, the family is the link to our past and bridge to our future.” What we are now as families had a past and will help shape our future. The late Princess Diana said that for her, “Family is the most important thing in the world” and Michael J. Fox, added, “Family is not an important thing, IT’S EVERYTHING.”
The sustainability of our Guyanese families calls for a reappraisal and commitment to Family. We in Guyana envisage a three-pronged approach to make this a reality. The Government’s policy envisions building strong families. Our goal is to refocus on the family as a unit. We need to re-establish that bond, that nucleus that provided the foundation for our societies – the family that inculcated strong moral values, that was the listening ear in times of trouble and need; in short, the family of nature/nurture, lending support, and being the bulwark for the future..
To my mind, we’ve lost valuable ground in that we tend to act independently of collaboration, consultation and communication with the family unit. We have to remember the pivotal role of the nuclear family, but we must acknowledge the impact of the extended family and the ‘Village’ in molding the family and by extension, the society and the nation. Perhaps the high incidence of our social issues may be as a result of our moving away from this maxim of being our brother’s keeper. For me, this year’s theme demands that we re-examine our roles in the context of the ever-changing societal values and make the necessary adjustments that will enable the sustainability of our families. In the words of Gaylord Nelson, “The family as an institution needs the commitment of its members to guarantee its survival. But some have to be in the vanguard holding the torch lighting the path for others to see clearly and follow.” Guyana needs vibrant, healthy and productive families for a sustainable future!
I wish you all a wonderful International Day of Families, 2016.

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