Those of us who were raised in humble settings in which love was real and life was challenging, cherish the impact of a good father. I witnessed first-hand the sacrifices made by my parents, especially my father, and the premium they placed on providing opportunities for a good education.

I can testify about the difference my rural village made in providing me with mentors, teachers, and other father figures who helped me to navigate life’s twists and turns.

So, on this Father’s Day, I speak from a place of gratitude, with a responsibility to help ensure that many more young people enjoy this right. Too many of our children are growing up without father figures who provide a positive influence. A 2021 study estimated that 47 per cent of Jamaican households are single-parent units, led by biological mothers.

As we just celebrated Father’s Day, I call on all men in our island home to stand up for a generation that is desperately calling for positive role models to emulate, and for wise guidance as they chart pathways towards successful and honest living. Let us stand as men who are fathers, brothers, teachers, confidants, and mentors to send a message today.

We are celebrating some of our men and challenging the others to stand up and become excellent fathers. To the fathers who are present, protective, and proud; we honour you. To the men who stepped in when others walked away; thank you. To the young men searching for purpose, I invite you to consider teaching, mentoring, and guiding. The classroom needs you.

Our boys and girls need you. And to the fathers who have failed, now is the time for reconciliation and restoration, as we strive to inspire all to be more.

Let us commit to moving from excuses to action. Start by showing up, by staying consistent, listening, apologising, and teaching. Jamaica must rise above broken homes and absent men to truly improve our society and create a new legacy.

The Mico is committed to help build that new legacy. The university college is even launching a ‘Join the Legacy campaign’. The initiative aims to not just attract students, but to also call the best of our young men into service.

Together, we can build a Jamaica in which more men inspire, teach, and mentor.

Dr Asburn Pinnock is president of The Mico University College.