A former educator now managing partner of Strategic Solutions Limited, Ronnie Sutherland, has argued that greater enforcement of laws governing parental access is needed to help fathers maintain relationships with their children.

According to Sutherland, many Jamaican men become discouraged when they are denied access to their children following the breakdown of relationships and often feel the legal process does not work in their favour.

Speaking during the inaugural staging of a Father’s Day forum dubbed ‘The Paradigm Shift’ on Sunday, Sutherland urged fathers to use the courts to protect their parental rights while calling for stronger support systems to help men remain actively involved in their children’s lives.

“There needs to be greater enforcement of the law. Fathers should utilise the courts to maintain access to their children when that access is being denied,” said Sutherland.

The issue emerged as one of the central themes during the forum, which brought together fathers, educators, community leaders, law enforcement representatives, and mentors to discuss fatherhood, family relationships, and the challenges facing Jamaican men.

Sutherland, who taught at Cornwall College for several years, said mentoring young men had long been a personal mission.

“While I was at Cornwall College, I took seriously the responsibility of helping to make boys into men of might. As the father of two sons, I have worked tirelessly to ensure they become strong, responsible men,” he said.

Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller (right) making his presentation during the inaugural staging of The Paradigm Shift Father’s Day Forum. The event focused on strengthening fatherhood, family relationships, mentorship, and positive male leadership in Jamaica. Other panellists included (from left) Olympic sprint legend Yohan Blake, community advocate Cedric Murray, and managing partner at Strategic Solutions Limited Ronnie Sutherland. 

The issue of fatherhood extending beyond biological relationships also emerged during the discussion.

Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller shared his experience of becoming a father figure to eight young men in addition to raising his four sons.

“I took them into my life as my own children and gave them hope, guidance, and an understanding that life could be bigger than the circumstances they were born into,” Fuller said.

Representing the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Kingston Central Division, Corporal Adrian Cornwall urged men to become more proactive in seeking information and understanding their rights and responsibilities.

“Some of our men need guidance, and they need to exercise their constitutional right to information,” Cornwall said.

Founder of the Right Shift Foundation, Kevin D Wallen, said the initiative was designed to encourage practical action rather than simply discussion.

The foundation will spend the next 90 days examining commitments made by participants, with a focus on strengthening fatherhood, mentorship, and family engagement.