KINGSTON, Jamaica — Fifty fathers who want to add their names to their children’s birth certificates will benefit from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) ‘Status Day’ promotion for Fathers’ Day.

The promotion, which will see the fathers benefiting from complimentary registrations, will be held on Monday, June 20 and will give fathers, whose names would not have been added to their child’s birth certificate, the opportunity to do so.

The announcement was made by RGD CEO Charlton McFarlane.

McFarlane said the complimentary registrations will be given to the first five applicants at each of its 10 locations across the island.

For the registration to be complete, fathers must fill out an Addition of Father’s Particulars/Status form, which can be accessed on the RGD’s website at www.rgd.gov.jm, or any of its offices. The form must be completed by both parents in the presence of a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public.

McFarlane said to verify that the father is “who he says he is”, he will need to provide valid government-issued identification and the child’s birth certificate, in addition to the completed application form that is to be submitted to the RGD.

Once the application has been submitted, it will be processed, and a new birth certificate issued to the applicant within seven to 10 business days or within six weeks.

Excluding the complimentary registrations that will be issued, all other applicants must pay a fee of $3,500.00, if the new birth certificate is required within seven to 10 days, or $1,500.00 if it is required within six weeks.

McFarlane appealed to fathers to take advantage of the opportunity being presented to them.

“It is not sufficient to only say that you are the father. It is of great importance to know that your status as a father is legally documented. No father wants their children to suffer or to be treated less than. We know that when a child is registered with the information of both parents, then there is greater financial and social protection for the child,” he said.

For further information on the promotion, individuals may visit the RGD’s website or call 876-619-1260/ 876-749-0550.