Saving marriages – VM moves to help couples stay together

In light of the alarming numbers coming out of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) indicating a significant decline in marriages and an accompanying increase in the rate of divorce, Victoria Mutual will be seeking to address some of the issues that are negatively impacting on family life at the 29th staging of its Marriage and the Family Series.

Between 2008 and 2013, the number of marriages in Jamaica declined by 15 per cent while the number of divorces increased by 46 per cent.

Under the theme, Living the Life You Want, the Marriage and the Family Series takes place today at the Emancipation Park.

VM'S MISSION

According to Victoria Mutual's President and CEO Courtney Campbell, "Supporting the building of strong families is an important part of the mission of the organisation.

"We believe in the holistic approach to national development, and having strong healthy families is fundamental to creating the kind of society we all want to live in. With this in mind, we have pooled a team of experts in the areas of counselling and family life, so that persons in need of support can benefit free of cost."

Campbell said the Marriage and the Family Series promises to be very informative and exciting and will give patrons the tools for planning their financial future and fostering deep and lasting relationships within the family.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

"There will be something for each member of the family to benefit," said Campbell.

The event will be divided into two segments, which will feature engaging panel discussions, a mini expo, live entertainment and a children's village.

Patrons can also take advantage of free counselling services from Family Life Ministries. Guest speaker for the first segment, which is geared towards the youth, will be Miguel 'Steppa' Williams, recipient of the 2015 Commonwealth Caribbean Youth Worker Award.

While, in the second segment, the guest speaker will be Michael Maragh, principal finance officer at the Ministry of Health.

The entertainment package includes performances by Jermaine Edwards, One Third and Dance Xpressionz.