The role of the mother must never be underestimated, says President Anthony Carmona.
In his Mother’s Day message, he called on mothers to ensure that their sons live lives within the law.
“As President, a former criminal judge and prosecutor, I have spoken of the man-child in crisis. The First Lady and I have engaged, from inception, in many initiatives and programmes to help make a real difference in the lives of our young people. It is our fervent hope that, through our mentorship, school visits, student activities and youth-inclusive functions hosted at the Office of the President, we can make a change.”
Carmona said mothers could change their offending male child through the power of their love and guiding influence.
“You’ve got the power! Use it,” he added.
He said mothers should also emphasise to their children the importance of education. He said many mothers, in all strata of society, were doing an excellent job despite adversities and challenges.
He said, “Teach our young men to treat women with respect and our young ladies to demand that respect. You must continue to encourage and instill in your children the importance of standing alone, on the side of doing right, and ensure that they culture friends who do right to all manner of men and women.”
The President also wished those who’ve lost their mothers to let the legacy of their love fill their hearts with great warmth.
“As children, you should value the times you share with your mother and make a conscious effort to spend more time with your parents. Value your mother and give her respect, for motherhood is a great vocation, which ensures that your needs are met and your comfort assured,” he added.
Meanwhile, Carmona’s wife, Reema, said everyone needed mothers to give guidance and advice, to be motivators and to be that listening ear and that reservoir of wisdom and affection that children could tap into. She said, “If you have been absent from your child’s life for whatever reason, if this message serves only one purpose, let it be to inspire the absent mother to reach out and mend broken relationships with their children and even their families. Mothers, go make up with your children. Children, reach out to your mothers.”