Addressing the St Ann Homecoming and Heritage Committee Banquet at the Sunset Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios two Saturdays ago, Sir Patrick said he has attended three separate functions in recent times where the theme of proper guidance has been poignantly raised.

"I could hear the heart-rending plea of the children, asking adults to let the children grow up, not to be turned into adults before time," the governor general explained.

Sad commentary

Sir Patrick said it was a sad commentary when children have to appeal to adults for guidance.

"In essence, what we are doing is destroying our future," he commented.

Using the adage 'it takes a village to raise a child', Sir Patrick said a child living with a single parent, or without parents, required the full involvement in guardianship by the community, the Church, the school and others.

The governor general said the Children of Our Village programme, a St Ann Homecoming initiative which assists at-risk children in St Ann's Bay and its environs, will have far-reaching benefits.

- C.G.