As the world celebrated Father’s day today, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that all fathers should be entitled to paid paternity leave in the public and private sectors. In her father’s day message issued in a news release on June 15, said fathers today face many challenges, at home, at work and sometimes by the legal system, negatively affecting their ability to co-parent.
The UNC leader added: “Single fathers also sometimes unfairly face daunting legal and other challenges when they attempt to co-parent their children with former partners, which often negatively impact their parental rights and ultimately, their children’s well-being.”
She commended all fathers, who despite dealing with such tough trials, still have the strength and willpower to rise above their challenges and work hard to provide financial support, and love and care for their children.
As fathers across the globe are celebrated today she also reminded of the important contributions fathers make to nation building: “Today reminds us that fathers are vital in ensuring the strength and stability of our families as protectors, co-providers, role models, and mentors.” Fathers are instrumental in raising productive citizens and building strong, steady communities.