Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals

"Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals"

Because many of us unfortunately have been reared through these times where the importance of family and all that it teaches has diminished greatly, we all look through distorted lens with regards to matters of family. Once upon a time, our country and people where looked up upon by outsiders/tourists for various reasons; social culture and agriculture, but mainly resilience. We once were a people of ideals and values placed throughout our communities with presence of our culture.

            Now the culture and presence of our ancestors have all been warped. We've incorporated every other culture with ours to suit the needs of a vastly changing demographic within our territory and as a result, we've lost our identity.

            Like any other community around the world, the members of those communities become one with each other to help their well beings. The ‘family’ created within these communities are now who are rearing the next generations to come, and while they are readily available to do so, they are also unqualified.

             For this reason and so many more it is time for us to make the presence of the families more important within our communities rather than gangs, corners, or communities that pride themselves in taking in youths who are ignorant to their intentions. It is for these reasons and more that our territory must make a more profound effort to encourage our young men and women to build families and homes instead of only facilitating events where those from all demographics can enjoy themselves and indulge in different vices which contribute to our small, violent and stagnant community. And it is certainly for the promise of hope in our futures and those of our children that we change the ideals being kept at the helms of society; money, power and violence is not the only way to procure or sustain a fulfilling life.

            On this world family day U.S Virgin Islanders I propose we all take the time out not only to enjoy the company of our loved ones, but to appreciate what we can learn from them to help others less fortunate; those who don’t have a support system or a true family. Take the things that you’ve learned and share them with others, whether or not you know of their family structure. The idea is to promote the ideals and norms that can bring our communities back to being the structure that is was instead of the street family that it has become.