THE EDITOR, Sir:

AS WE enter the month in which we celebrate and reflect on our children, there are many concerns which we must focus on. One such issue is that of the role of the father in the life of a child. Not so long ago, parliamentarian/talk-show host Rev Thwaites commented that it is better for a man to take care of a child that does not belong to him rather than ignore caring for his own child. The thought appears to be a novel one. However, it is worrying that the thought is not instead placed on emphasising that not only is there a need for better fathers - there is also a need for better mothers.

Women who run around with many men leaving space for doubt in a man's mind as to whether or not a child belongs to him must be addressed. The fact that many women get pregnant for men through deceit and bamboozlement in order to 'tie' them cannot be left unmentioned or unemphasised.

The role of the courts

The courts also have a great role to play in the way that fathers are many times viewed in the life of the child. The mother is usually given an edge over the father and, most times, this is the better approach. There is, however, a kind of rhetorical approach in most judgements where the father's and child's right to develop a proper relationship is ignored or taken to be secondary to their role as financial support to the child.

As a man who would like to know that equity is meted out in relation to men spending quality time with their children and not all being thrown into a stereotype of being simply irresponsible, I believe this Child Month must be one in which these issues are brought to the fore. We cannot allow our women to manipulate our men without speaking about it. Though many of our men are irresponsible as it relates to their children, we must also bring to the fore mothers who are vindictive and deceptive.

Protecting the father's rights

I would not feel very comfortable taking care of a child that is not mine as my own and the thought actually makes me shudder to think that a woman may be allowed to do this to me. I equally would like to know that the law would protect my rights to be financially, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually involved in my child's life once it is established that the child is mine. The courts must recognise that fathers should be holistically involved in their children's life in the making of their judgments and direct them in such a way as to address this.

I am, etc.,

MARK A. CLARKE

makeis@yahoo.com

Apt 501B, Haven Court

10 Seaview Rd, Stony Hill P.O.

Kingston

Via Go-Jamaica