Focus on children for Labour Day
Published:Monday | May 17, 2010 | 12:00 AM
President of the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Adrian Cotterell, yesterday made a desperate plea to Jamaicans to redouble efforts to raise children responsibly, with juveniles increasingly becoming victim to sexual predators and other criminals.
Speaking during a church service at Seaview Chapel in Harbour View, St Andrew, to launch more than a week of activities climaxing with Labour Day on May 24, Cotterell said the incidence of rape, murder and abuse of children marked a tectonic shift in wickedness across the island.
Since the start of the year, at least 22 children have been murdered and more than 1,600 cases of child abuse recorded.
He urged parents to take seriously their role as caregivers and to recognise that the country's future lay in their hands.
"The mothers and fathers have to care for their children. This responsibility can't be transferred to the state, it cannot be transferred to the schools ... because when you disband children, you are doing so to the detriment of children and the society at large," the pastor said.
He also challenged Jamaicans to become foster parents to children whose lives could be enhanced by positive guidance.
"Bless a child today by starting a campaign to assist in financing a child, show children the love. Save them before they are 14 and stop them before they are 20, and that is how we are going to save the country," he told congregants.
Youth Minister Olivia Grange also urged citizens to preserve children's safety and security in order to fulfil their potential.
"Use this week and Labour Day, next Monday, to reaffirm our commitment to children and to demonstrate to them how much they mean to us," she said.
The number of national Labour Day projects has been expanded this year to 14, up from six in 2009.