By Sue-Ann Wayow
FATHERHOOD is defined by presence, sacrifice, leadership and love.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in her Father’s Day message on Sunday also said fatherhood was one of life’s sacred responsibilities.
She said, “A father’s influence in a child’s life is immeasurable. It lays the foundation for emotional strength, self-worth, and discipline and by extension, for building strong, respectful, and productive citizens.”
The prime minister said a country was shaped by the quality of the homes and she has seen when fathers lead with love, patience and wisdom, they nurture more than their families.
“They contribute to the moral and social fabric of our entire society,” Persad-Bissessar said.
She also said fathers should be supported by the women in their lives although roles might be unique, they must have mutual respect and shared responsibility when it comes to parenting.
“For our fathers to succeed, they must feel the encouragement, trust, and partnership of the women in their lives and in turn, fathers must uplift, honour, and respect the strength, sacrifices and voices of women,” Persad-Bissessar said.
She added, “When men support women as equal partners in parenting and when women support men in their role as fathers, we create a family structure grounded in unity, cooperation and shared love. This unity flows into our schools, our communities, and ultimately, our nation. It is how we raise not only healthy children but a healthy nation.”
Persad-Bissessar also encouraged fathers to be emotionally available and approachable.
A child must feel safe emotionally and mentally to speak with their father, to share their dreams, their fears, and even their mistakes without judgment.
She said when fathers create a space of openness and understanding, they empower their children with confidence and trust.
Persad-Bissessar said, “To every father who has answered the call with integrity, love, and perseverance, I thank you. Your quiet sacrifices do not go unnoticed. To the men who are still finding their way, know that your presence matters more than you may ever realise. And to the women who uplift and stand beside fathers, thank you for being essential to this journey.”
“Let us all work together to build a society where every father is empowered, every mother is respected, and every child is nurtured. May this Father’s Day be a time of reflection, appreciation, and renewed commitment to the sacred work of raising our nation’s future,” she said.
