Dear Editor,

I agree wholeheartedly with Justice Minister Delroy Chuck’s recent proposal, under the highly debated Paternity Leave Act, that fathers must reside with the mother/wife of their children in order to be entitled to paternity leave.

Fathers must become more responsible and supportive of the various aspects of their child’s upbringing. It is a far too common phenomenon to observe mothers solely struggling to nurture and meet the needs of their children with little or no assistance from their husbands/boyfriends. This culture must change.

Parenting is a twofold process; it is not just the single act of having a child that makes one a father, it takes into account the physical, mental, social and intellectual development of the offspring that ought to be shared by both parents. The impact that each provides in a child’s life is priceless.

Paternity leave provides essential and critical bonding time between father and infant before and after the birth. The leave further allows for shared roles as it pertains to childcare and parental support, resulting in less stress on both parties.

The proposed legislation in our island nation is truly a game changer. It shifts the paradigm that says it is the mother’s job. The role of the father in his child’s development is absolutely critical.

I honestly believe that absentee fathers underestimate their value and impact on family life. I implore fathers to make a concerted effort to become more supportive in their children’s lives, apart from visiting periodically and/or providing financial assistance.

For the ones that have casually bequeathed their roles and provided no support at all let today be the last. A father’s role is a lifetime one. Make the effort to gainfully engage and contribute to the well-being of your children, however small. I can guarantee that this impactful gesture will most profoundly aid in shaping mentally and socially stronger, more confident individuals. This will significantly lessen the high levels of lawlessness and deviance stifling our nation’s progress.

Tara Henry

henry.tara42@gmail.com