Nevis Dept. of Gender Affairs Hosts Talk Forum on Fatherhood
Nevis Island Administration Department of Gender Affairs’ “From His Heart: Father’s Day Edition” talk forum on June 22, 2023 (l-r) Mr. Fitzroy Warner; Rev. Ron Daniel; Mr. Dillon Webbe, moderator; Mr. Ramie Gumbs; and Mr. Carlton Davis
NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (June 23, 2023)- The Department of Gender Affairs in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) hosted “From His Heart: Father’s Day Edition” on June 22, 2023, a talk forum focused on masculinity, raising children, and nurturing families.
Mr. Dillon Webbe moderated the discussion, which consisted of a panel of fathers of different ages, family structures, backgrounds, and occupations- Rev. Ron Daniel, Mr. Ramie Gumbs, Mr. Carlton Davis and Mr. Fitzroy Warner.
The panel discussed raising children in a marital home, as a single father, as a former prison inmate, and parenting with health issues.
Rev. Daniel opined that there is a distinction between fathers and dads, a view shared by the other panelists.
“I think there’s a difference between a father and a daddy. Once you get a child you are automatically a father, a real dad is someone who is there in the life of the child. Being a father is automatic but being a dad means someone who puts in that time with their child and that to me is critical,” he said, adding that men faced limitations when raising daughters and should seek support from women where necessary.
Mr. Warner revealed that coping with a renal disease presents certain challenges while raising young children.
“I try to do the best that I can. I would really like to help my son with his homework but…I do dialysis three days a week and most days when I get home I can’t even help him do anything because I’m just tired and need to go in my bed, so it’s a challenge having medical issues like mine and having to deal with young kids.”
Mr. Gumbs emphasized the need for fathers to spend quality time with their children, “providing not just financial support but emotional, psychological and spiritual support.”
Mr. Davis stressed the need for fathers to play a nurturing role, imparting a sound moral foundation to help them become good and productive citizens in society.
The panelists agreed that when men put in the effort, children realize that their fathers are doing their best and look to them for advice and guidance throughout their lives.
The informative session was intended to help men navigate the important role of fatherhood by providing insight from persons on the same path sharing their experiences and personal views on the topic.