Jamaican employers seem to be warming up to the idea of allowing fathers in their companies to go on paternity leave.
Even the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF) is embracing paternity leave, saying that fathers should be getting a month off with pay.
Mothers already enjoy maternity leave, in some cases up to three months. However, the JEF says that, if fathers were to get more than the month off, it should be at their own expense.
Yvonne Davis, the federation's human resource development and workplace solutions specialist, argues that this leave should be given only once per year. The idea, she said, "Is to support the new mother with chores relating to the newborn."
She added: "It would be good to have the father's presence."
Good for bonding
Fathers are in total support of this move. Errol Martin, father of a four-year-old boy, believes fathers should get paternity leave to allow for bonding.
"We should try and facilitate paternity leave because this will contribute to the togetherness of the family," Martin says.
He believes this movement would contribute to better homes and, therefore, a better Jamaica since the role of males has become marginalised.
No difference
On the other hand, Sharon Sterling, who is a mother, believes the majority of fathers are not disciplined and dedicated enough to make good use of the leave.
"I don't think paternity leave should be given to fathers because it will not make a difference," she says.
The latest company to extend this offer to fathers is Alumina Partners, which announced recently that it would be providing employees with three days paternity leave.
Fully utilised
Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) had previously instituted a similar policy. Under its scheme, started approximately four years ago, the financial institution gives employees two weeks of paid paternity leave, accessible once per year.
Orleen Batson, human resource officer with responsibility for compensation and benefits at JMMB, could not give a definitive figure on how many fathers have so far taken up the offer, but says the paternity leave is 'fully utilised'.
Adjustment for newborn
She says paternity and maternity leave are also provided for parents who have adopted children.
"It is important to give some amount of adjustment to the newborn," she says.
Herbert Gayle, chairman of Fathers Incorporated, underscoring the importance of paternity leave, says the man is a partner from conception and should be involved in every stage.
"To socially isolate him at anypoint is stupid," says Gayle, who added that both parents should be involved in caring for the child.
"Men should be involved, mostly encouraged, to be a central part of the child's life," he says.
POSITIVE Parenting
Gayle notes that studies have shown that fathers appreciate their spouses more, become more supportive, and are more connected with their children when they get to spend more time with both mother and baby immediately after birth.
He says Fathers Inc is working on a programme to open a fathers' resource centre to encourage 'father-baby' bonding. He argues that it is extremely important for the child to see two parents, at birth, who are connected to it, rather than spend time with the father two weeks after.
Unable to finance
Gayle says Fathers Inc plans to lobby for paternity leave, in keeping with the view that the child needs both parents.
Attorney-at-law Alado Terre-longe says, "Paternity leave is necessary so as to give support and care to mothers who have just come out of labour."
Terrelonge argues, however, that Jamaica is not a fully developed country and, in general, has not been capable of financing the payment of workers when they are absent.
He notes, though, that if companies are able to pay workers when they go on leave then there should be no problem. But the company should not be obligated to pay.
Christopher Townsend, another attorney, is also endorsing the move.
"Giving paternity leave to fathers is a lovely idea and forward-thinking, but it is something that has to be taken into careful consideration," Townsend says.
