activities are among ideas that are being promoted as ways to celebrate the International Year of the Family.

The Ministries of Health, Social Services and Housing and Community and Cultural Affairs recognise that there is a need for all sectors of the community to come together and create an awareness about the importance of the family.

"By presenting a united effort, we can create awareness of the importance of families and reinforce the principle that strong and healthy families create strong, healthy and productive societies,'' a statement from the Department of Child and Family Services said.

To ensure even wider participation in the International Year of the Family, the public and private sector of the community is encouraged to plan an event, activity, or programme and adapt it to this year's theme, which may be listed on the national calendar of events. Persons with inquiries are encouraged to contact the department.