| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30th
March 2010
We need
the family
The
most recent and available demographic statistics
in St Lucia currently is for 2005.In that year;
the population was approximately 164,791 with
a growth rate of 1.13%. The recorded live birth
was 2,322 for that same year. In addition the
birth rate was estimated at approximately 14.7%.
Illegitimate births were 2,035 ……452
being teenage births. There were 542 marriages
and 131 divorces. A simple assessment will indicate
that most of the children born were illegitimate
and to teenage parents. Meaning that, only 287
were born of marriages. This measures less than
half the number of live births. It is clear
also, that for every 3 marriages at least 1
divorce was reported. If you do a little mathematics
you might discover that less than 1% of the
adult population got married during that same
year. What should we expect of our society today?
A family is referred to as a primary social
group of people, consisting of a man and a woman
with at least one child, sharing lives in a
long-term commitment and residing in the same
house. Basically, it is considered a unit of
the community on one level and society in general.
It is important to understand that the family
structure and orientation determines the social
identity and personification of the society.
The family structure and home is where we learn
the following: love, care, compassion, ethics,
honesty, fairness, commonsence, reason, conflict
resolution, respect of our-selves and others.
Values that are necessary to live honorably
and co-exist as a law-abiding citizen in the
community. In the absence of such a structure
it is very unlikely that the aforementioned
would be inculcated in any child struggling
for survival.
To have a sense of family values is to possess
a positive philosophy with good intentions and
deeds. One where love and chastity means something
that is shared by those who are close and part
of the family circle, such as: a child, parent
or grandparent. In this environment all members
learn to treat others with respect and dignity…
the same way they wish to be treated. When such
values or intentions are not passed on or appreciated,
people maybe guaranteed a poisoned and corrupt
society, detrimental to every citizen. |
|
|
|
|
If one possesses
a sense of family values it becomes difficult
to destroy and vandalize community structures,
facilities and signs…. or obliterate
other families by engaging in gang rivalry,
assult, rape, murder and other such crimes.
In addition, those who possess such qualities…
in responsible public positions would not
allow exploiters to pillage other people’s
lives, families, properties, human rights
and dignity by manipulating legitimate business
affairs or transactions for unfair profits
or blood money.
Understanding the importance of family values
is not enough. It is also important to exhibit:
kindness, empathy, honour, honesty, love,
generosity, brotherhood, equity and Godliness.
The message here is very clear. We need to
do what is right and not what we want for
ourselves… regardless. If we are serious
about changing the situation of our society
today we must make the effort as a nation…change
the way we live. It is important now for us
to re-institute the family and uphold family
life values. In recent times it seems that
we have not taken this route or way of life,
which has brought us much suffering as a nation
and a prople. This is so because we have rejected
the right way to live. A way proven successful
by our grandparents and perhaps civilizations
long before our time. If we desire peace in
our lives, prosperity in our business affairs,
unity in our families and a good healthy life
style, then we must change and put family
and God first.
Modern society has rejected many aspects of
the old way of life. Legal authorization and
the popular approval of the dissolution of
marriage for example: break up existing families
in our society. In addition it encourages
rash marriages, thus producing a very indolent
view of the obligation of conjugal fidelity.
Not to mention, the danger of deliberate limitations
of the number of children in the family…forcing
parents to overlook the fundamentals of marriage…
only regarding their union as a means for
mutual gratification. Ultimately, this is
bound to lead to a situation where there is
a lack of will for self sacrifice amongst
the members of the family…. creating
also a very liberal disposition to sexual
immorality. Thus reaching the point of diminished
religious influence, low morality, infedility,
low self-esteem and a general misconception
of marriage and family.
By Peter
Fevrier
FAMILY & LIFE SECRETARIAT
Discuss
Story
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
