OPPOSITION Leader Andrew Holness says nations are stronger when fathers fulfil their duty to their children.
“We must lift our hats to those fathers who pay close attention to the development of our children; those who are there helping with homework, at the sports days and all important points in the growth of our children, showing the love, guidance and attention that all children need,” Holness said yesterday in a message to mark Father's Day.
But he said that as much as the nation praises “true fathers”, the society must, however, acknowledge that there are too many fathers who are absent from the lives of their children.
“Whatever the reason, we wish that that those fathers who have not played their part, will find it in their hearts to start. I pray that the estranged father will reach out to that angry child, that the fleeing father will turn around and instead pursue his child, that the abusive father will realise that love is a more powerful influence than anger, that the denying father will accept his child, that the struggling and financially battered dad will remember to hug his son,” said the Opposition Leader.
He had praises for men whom he called “the unsung heroes” who have stayed in the background, quietly contributing and patiently observing the ebb and flow of the lives of their children, “who are often forgotten and under-acknowledged”.