Human resource director of Goddard Enterprises Limited, Dr Ashwell Thomas, has described the existing imbalance between boys and girls in Barbados as "worrying".

According to him, University of the West Indies statistics show that 80 per cent of females completed degrees in medicine compared with 20 per cent males, and
70 per cent females completed law degrees compared to 30 per cent males.

"We need to pay more attention to our boys," he stressed.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the St Mary's Primary School yesterday, Thomas said parents tended to think it was all right for boys to lime, while the girls are kept indoors and given chores.

"We need to go the extra mile to ensure that boys settle down and maintain focus. Don't leave it to the teachers. It must be a joint effort," he said.

He added that if it was recognised that males didn't want to continue their studies, it was a parent's duty to find out why.

Speaking from the podium of the St Mary's Anglican Church, Thomas also urged parents to take a definitive position to pay more attention to their children, especially the boys.

"You must make time to ensure your children are exposed to discipline in the home that would attract accommodation from teachers and fellow students," he said.

He also warned parents that they should work together with teachers and not against them.

However, teachers were not left out of the process. Turning his attention to them, Thomas reminded them that they were very significant products in the life of a child,
and partners in the educational development of children.

"Therefore, I encourage you the teachers to seek a greater level of communication with parents," he said.