Dr Brij Lal yesterday stressed in Parliament the importance of a cultured society and  the family.

The Government backbencher and former Permanent Secretary for Education said in his maiden speech: “Teaching of values, culture, tradition, language and good habits starts in the family home.

“The grandparents, parents and others in the family play a key role.

“A family is a group of people living together, generally the parents and children. Each member of the family has to play his or her role. The parents support their children.

“They have to love, care, and guide and in return the children should respect and obey their parents and learn from them good habits, culture, values, and tolerance and remain committed to their responsibilities,” he said

“We have noted a lack of love, tolerance and understanding which is resulting in violence.”

He said children were often abused which resulted in mental and physical violence.

Young children, he said, were turning to alcohol, drugs and violence.

“In order to maintain a good family, strong kinship ties have to be maintained. A good family stands firm when it is cultured by good moral and human values,” he said.

“I appeal to all parents to carry out their roles faithfully and devote more time with their children to enhance family values,” he said.

“This way you will not only be helping your children but also help to build a highly cultured society that has care and respect for all”

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