Richards pleads for love, standing for principles

IN LIEU of various infractions against children, Kenneth Richards, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, says the entire nation needs to be caring and loving of each other, while urging families and adults to be principled in their stand against indiscipline among youths.

Focusing on child behaviours and treatment meted out to children generally, Richards made the call while speaking at the thanksgiving service for the life of Jamaican business giant, humanitarian, nation-builder and philanthropist, Lascelles Chin, OJ, CD, last Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.

Only recently, the nation was rocked by the abduction of eight-year-old Danielle Rowe, who was found with her throat slashed on Roosevelt Avenue St Andrew, and later succumbed to her injuries in hospital. Also, there has been a spate of missing children reports for years and a marked increase in fights among children while attending school.

Given these behaviours, Richards called for children to behave like children and not adults.

Relating a first-hand example of how some youths lack proper guidance in Jamaica, Richards said that while he was at a gas station, he saw two children sitting in a compromising position, which triggered him to approach them.

“People were just passing them without saying anything, and I said, ‘What is this?’ As I advanced towards them, they came to their senses and then stepped apart and stood more respectful in public with each other,” Richards said.

“So often we are afraid of standing for principle, for what is right, so indeed we show due regard and that is what contributes, my brothers and sisters, to the tragedies that we see around us,” he said.

He encouraged that persons should not point “our fingers at such tragedies, but truly examine how in their own homes, the type of relationships are being had with children”, especially when parents or guardians are busy trying to make a living.

“I know the going is rough. Some of us have to multi task in order to survive, but there is still need for time to be made for children. And can we have a time and a heart for other children? Let us recognise that this is what is required of us. Indeed, if we are not to live for self, but to live for others,” Richards expressed.

“Love”, as spoken in the Bible, he said, remains the answer for the ails of humans in the world.

He encouraged Jamaicans to be like Chin, who, in his own way, played his part in exhibiting love across the nation, through living an extraordinary and visionary life that contributed to the building of LASCO and its affiliated companies, which in turn provided jobs and affordable nutrition for Jamaicans, especially low-income households.

“Of course, he (Chin) was concerned about others’ hygiene, healthcare and financial services for all. A man for others! And sometimes you may ask, ‘Where did he get this inspiration from?’ It is the grace of God, my brothers and sisters, as a man who was baptised, the seed was planted within him and he responded to it,” Richards said.

Continuing, he said, “So often the grace of God is given to us. It rests upon us, but we resist it because we are so caught up in ourselves and not willing to make that sacrifice for selfish concern to become selfless to care for others.”

He applauded Chin for playing a vital role in nation-building, supporting valuable causes and the advancement of the nation and people of Jamaica.

“He was the consummate corporate citizen, a man for others,” said Richards, noting that Jamaicans should aspire to be like Chin.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com