Government went back to basics yesterday with a pledge to strengthen the foundations of the cornerstone of society.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown declared this year to be the Year of the Family for Bermuda and promised that all areas of Government would work together to ensure that children and seniors receive the best care possible.

Dr. Brown also paved the way for sweeping legislative changes — to embrace not only the traditional family unit, but single parents and gay and lesbian households.

Reading the Proclamation at a press conference yesterday, Dr. Brown said: “The Government believes it is important to respect the lifestyle differences of families — whether they be religious, social, racial, political or cultural.”

To this end, teachers, businesses, religious leaders, youth and community groups will also be encouraged to organise events aimed at strengthening family ties.

Dr. Brown said that the Island’s future rested on “the successes of our children and young people who are nurtured by strong and caring parents”. This could only be achieved in “loving, stable homes”.

The Government also announced that Tuesday would mark an annual Day of the Family, in keeping with the United Nations observance of May 15 as International Day of Families. The Premier was joined by Cabinet Ministers, members of the clergy, senior citizens and children from Happy Valley Preschool.

Minister for Community and Cultural Affairs Wayne Perinchief said: “We are here today to acknowledge the pivotal role of the family in Bermuda.

“The Year of the Family promotes family cohesion, cultural awareness, safety, health and well being, literacy and celebrates the diversity of family structures. To that end, fun activities that will encourage families both disabled and able-bodied to spend quality time together are planned and will take place over a series of months.

“During the month of May, the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs will take the lead in providing activities that focus on Bermuda’s Cultural Heritage. We encourage all families to become involved.”

Mr. Perinchief’s Ministry will coordinate all the events under Dr. Brown’s initiative. Parish Councils have also been asked to arrange events on one of five themes: Wellness; Sports; Culture/Heritage; The dinner table experience; or, Diversity — different kinds of families.

Mr. Perinchief told The Royal Gazette: “The Premier said very early in the New Year that the focus of his Government would be the family and anything which impacts on the family. Each Ministry now will work to support that family cohesion.”

He admitted this could lead to legislative changes. “There will be some legislation coming through,” said Mr. Perinchief.

He said disabled access was a priority, but that extending rights to homosexuals would also be addressed, in line with the Government’s Proclamation of respecting diversity.

Mr. Perinchief said: “Single parent families are an increasing phenomenon in this society, either through divorce or if the parents were never married, and they need to have all the assistance any family unit would have.

“At the other end of the spectrum there are gay and lesbian families so even that has implications. It is an oversight of human rights so we have to look at legislative changes there — to allow for non-traditional families to exist.” He added that families with disabled children also suffered “great expense and hardship”.

“We’ve found access to be a problem, such as access to buildings, education and communication,” he said.

“For example, I have a granddaughter who is disabled. She qualified to go to Berkeley but there are access issues there.”

Mr. Perinchief also stated that Dr. Brown wanted senior citizens to stay with their relatives rather than in care homes. “We have 7,000 seniors now in this community over-65.

“The Premier doesn’t believe in the warehousing of the family so we will look at ways for families to assist housing the elderly in their family setting,” he said.

Premier announces Year of the Family