The Prime Minister, Bruce Golding has said early in the new year he will be inviting representatives of the religious community to work with the Government to formulate a programme to help to improve parenting skills and standards across the country.

The Prime Minister said the programme would also lead to the restoration of values and positive attitudes, especially among youth.

Mr. Golding made the comments last week at a meeting with members of the National Leader-ship Prayer Breakfast Committee at Jamaica House. The meeting coincided with Mr. Golding's first one hundred days as Prime Minister.

The national prayer breakfast is scheduled for January 17 under the theme 'Renewing Our Commitment'.

Values and attitudes

The Prime Minister said the theme could form the basis to incorporate matters relating to values and attitudes in which parenting would play a key role. He expressed concern that lack of proper parenting skills was restricting many Jamaican youth from achieving. In fact, the Prime Minister said improper parenting is the root cause of anti-social behaviour among the youth.

He referred to the initiative by the Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, to set up a parenting commission as a step in the right direction, adding that the work in this area would help to ensure that succeeding generations better understand right and wrong.

Some 470 persons are expected to attend the prayer breakfast, including leaders of government, the judiciary, the civic and business communities and members of the public. Proceeds from the event will benefit the convalescence home in Black River for police officers.