A CALL has been made for a collective approach from Government's social services to tackle the shortcomings of parenting in the society.

Anglican priest Reverend David Yarde made the comment yesterday after blessing 11 mothers who were honoured for their sterling contributions during a church service at St Cyprian's Anglican Church, Belleville, St Michael.

The event started a week of activities for the annual Mom, This One's For You show to be held at the Plantation Garden Theatre on Mother's Day.

After being blessed, the mothers were serenaded by organiser of the event Desmond Fowl Weekes, with a beautiful rendition of The Lord's Prayer.

Yarde, who saluted the 11 mothers, one chosen from each parish, said they displayed a self-sacrificial love. Not only did they look after their children, but many others in the community.

The Anglican priest said amidst all financial constraints, the committed mothers displayed an open-door policy where generosity was extended to all and sundry.

"There were no day care centres, but those mothers cared for the children in the neighbourhood and they instilled discipline," he said.

Reverend Yarde said most had gone through challenging times when God seemed distant, when doubt and fear threatened the very core of their personality, but they persevered.

In his call for a comprehensive parenting programme, Yarde said the Ministry of Family, Youth Affairs, Sports and Environment should be involved in the exercise, carrying out extensive research for better discipline and education with respect to parenting.

The 11 mothers who were honoured are Brenda Headley, St Joseph; Elmina Burnett, St James; Vashti Alleyne, St Andrew; Ruby King, St Peter; Patricia King, Christ Church; Anita Haynes, St John; Sylvia Rogers, St Michael; Elaine Roett, St; Thomas, Martina Stanford, St Lucy; Eunetta Eversley, St George; and Barbara Alleyne, St Philip.

Also to be honoured are veteran broadcasters Vic Brewster and Marvo Manning who will receive the Loyal Son Award and Loyal Daughter Award respectively, as well as four women with disabled children.

This week, the mothers selected by the National Assistance Board will be feted with free lunches, limousine rides and other special prizes from the producers of the show.

Traditional Bajan cooking will also be on display, when the mothers have a cook-off on Saturday, May 10 at DaCosta Mannings, Speightstown starting at 8 a.m. (CT)