Dear Editor,

Fathers in Jamaica have often expressed discontentment towards the seemingly diluted celebration on offer for Father’s Day annually.

This sentiment has its base in observable evidence throughout many sectors in the country. In the days leading up to the momentous day on Sunday, vendors have little to nothing on sale for fathers, stores that had dedicated shelves in May for Mother’s Day have failed to replicate this gesture, few business establishments have specials or deals for fathers, and even in the media there is not much highlight. This pales in comparison to the pomp and flamboyance that we associate with Mother’s Day.

Father’s Day should be treated with the same prestige as Mother’s Day as fathers are no less important than mothers to the social fabric of society. I will not delve into the history of the absent father phenomenon, and I will not endeavour to justify why that is a problem in our society. But there are many good fathers out there, many have even raised children on their own, and these fathers must be celebrated.

It is quite unfortunate that one has to do a detailed search to find songs honouring fathers, while I can sing word for word the many songs honouring mothers. Collectively, we need to celebrate our fathers and their value to not just the family but to society.

Mikhail A Graham

mikhailgraham@yahoo.com