ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) – A National Values and Attitudes Committee is to be established, with a focus on promoting and encouraging acceptable social behaviour.

This was disclosed by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, as he addressed the University of the West Indies, Western Campus 2016 Ambassadors Installation Luncheon  held at Sandals Montego Bay on Friday, May 20.

The ambassadors installed include: Paula Kerr-Jarrett, Gloria Henry, Rajesh Kripalani, Richard Ferdinand, Wayne Cummings, Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly, Richard Bourke, Kathryn May, and John Byles.

The Committee will be chaired by the education minister, and will be co-chaired by the Opposition Spokesperson on Education, Rev Ronald Thwaites.

“It will take the support of all sectors of society… to put Jamaica firmly on the track to transform individual and collective attitudes and behaviour in a constructive manner,” Senator Reid said.

He noted that the establishment of the committee forms part of his efforts to take personal responsibility of leading the process in transforming Jamaica.

 “A strong Jamaican education system will foster appropriate environments and equip citizens with the skills necessary for building social and cultural capital, social cohesion, contributing to sports development, and strengthening and protecting Jamaica’s national brand,” Senator Reid stated.

He further noted that at the heart of Vision 2030, is the transformation of the society, while adding that this will only take place if there is a change in the mindset of the nation.

“I submit that the root cause of our social, political and economic problems is negative and destructive values and attitudes. If we fix this as a country, we will be well on our way to becoming a developed country by 2030,” the education minister said.

He also lauded the university for implementing its ambassador initiative stating that it is a good medium through which the institution can influence the wider community.