Jamaican fathers reflect on pride, pressure and lessons learned from their children

Several Jamaican men have spoken about the rewards and demands of fatherhood in a Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica feature paying tribute to fathers, portraying the role as one of the most meaningful responsibilities a man can accept.

Those interviewed included Maurice Marshall, father of two biological children and a surrogate father to many others; Dafford Alanda Soul, who has one son; Melvin Pennant, father of twin girls and godfather to several youngsters; Lancy McLean, who has five children; Omar Owens, with two children; and Courtney T. Johnson, biological father of three who also cares for others he considers his own.

The men described fatherhood as a path without a manual, echoing Buju Banton’s reminder that it is not an easy road. Joys ranged from schooling and teaching children, protecting their childhood, and sharing walks, kitchen time, parties and road trips, to watching personality develop and hearing daughters say they hope to find partners like their dad. One father recalled evening homecomings when excited children greeted him at the door, helped remove his shoes and carried his bag — a ritual his youngest still keeps up.

They also said their children had schooled them. One man said his daughter held him accountable when he failed to follow through on promises, teaching him that youngsters listen closely and expect explanations when plans change. Others spoke of being humbled by teenage daughters, learning deeper family values, and working harder to provide. Several stressed that broken promises never disappear — children remember what fathers say they will do.

Reflecting on their own dads, some recalled bonding over cricket and football at the National Stadium and Sabina Park, attending the Independence Grand Gala as a family, and lessons in self-respect — including one account of a father who, after a physical disagreement over chores, told his son he was proud that the boy had stood up for himself.

Drawing on Khalil Gibran’s image of parents as bows sending children forth like arrows, the fathers urged others to invest time while children are young, love them consistently, stay present rather than absent, discipline with care, choose supportive co-parenting relationships, break cycles of neglect, and savour each stage because childhood passes quickly.

The feature closed by recognising new fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles and others who help raise children — including those rebuilding strained ties or grieving lost contact — as part of the work that shapes Jamaica’s future.