THE EDITOR, Sir:I WISH to thank and congratulate Kevin O'Brien Chang for his article, entitled 'Licensing the Jamaican penis', in The Sunday Gleaner of April 16. It is a piece of writing that must be taken seriously, not just by our Prime Minister, but also by all serious-thinking men and women in Jamaica. Yes, fathers' absence from our homes is one of the major factors that contribute to the current patterns of crime and violence. Our sociologists, child development specialists and spi-ritual leaders point to other causes of crime, and these must be addressed as part of a comprehensive community approach to crime reduction.
With respect to parenting, Mr. Chang's recommendation of paternity legislation, similar to that enacted in Chile last year, is definitely worthy of examination and implementation. If such legislation is drafted, passed and enforced in Jamaica, it could usher in a new day. The impact would take a while to be seen, because it would not bring about a sudden downturn in the destructive behaviour of the present generation of teenagers and young adults. However, it could be an investment in the medium and long-term future of this country for which our children, our judges and the staff of our correctional services, would bless us.
No man in Jamaica should act as if the paternity issue is not our problem. There is no 'us' and 'them'. It is time for us to influence each other to face the facts in Mr. Chang's article and start doing what is necessary to change our national statistics:
"More than half our children having no registered fathers."
"Some men don't know even how many children they have 'sired' (Chang's word), much less their names."
"No other country has over 85 per cent of babies born to unmarried mothers, and over 50 per cent without registered fathers."
"No other country not at war has such a high murder rate."
I support Chang's recommendation of a forced paternity bill accompanied by education programmes. As part of the solution, we must talk to each other. Government leaders must continue to talk to the community. Above all, men must talk more to boys and men about parenting. As men, we must make a clear effort to learn and grow in this area of our lives.
MORE EXPLORATION NEEDED
Chang's treatment of the female side of the paternity equation needs to be explored much more. There are usually two or more sides to the same story. The responsibility of the woman in issues to do with paternity must be carefully investigated, although I have the clear impression from my medical practice, that the balance of power is often tilted in favour of the man, for example, for reasons of age, financial status, positional power, physical strength and greater experience in negotiating sexual relationships. The point is not so much for us to lay blame on either men or women or both, but rather to look actively for practical solutions to the vexing and damaging societal problems that confront us.
I am, etc.,
BRENDAN C. BAIN
Professor of Community
Health
University of the West Indies
Mona campus
brendan.c.bain@gmail.com
