Mary Clarke, Children's Advocate, addressing the official launch of National Action Day in May. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Mary Clarke, Jamaica's Children's Advocate, has congratulated Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart) on its decision to grant three days paternity leave to its employees.

"We hope that other organisations, within the private and public sector, will follow this example and provide fathers with the opportunity to bond with their new-born and provide the necessary support to the mothers of their child," said the Children's Advocate in a statement.

Mrs Clarke added: "Unfortunately, for many fathers, the days following their child's birth are filled with missed opportunities to bond and establish a lasting relationship. While it is important that fathers are able to provide for their family, nothing can compensate for a loving and nurturing relationship between a father and his child. This connection is developed before the child is born, through constant interaction, and must be encouraged throughout the child's growth and development.

"We, therefore, hope that every maternity wing of the public health system in Jamaica will be arranged in such a way to allow fathers, who want to be present at the birth of their child, to do so after due counselling and preparation. This move would help to strengthen the participation of fathers in parenting."