Opposition Leader Father’s Day Message: “Fathers as a beacon for progress”
The observance of Father’s Day in Trinidad and Tobago has brought its own modern traditions that we all enjoy together. The celebrations take many forms; religious, family gatherings; brief holidays, or quiet gatherings.
The celebrations must not, however, overshadow the true significance of Father’s Day, which recognizes the completion of the family circle and the wholeness of community. Father’s Day recognizes the men, and many women, who have taken on that role of beacon of hope and progress for their families and communities.
The current realities of Trinidad and Tobago today have forced many of us to question the very principles upon which families and communities stand.
Should those realities force us to question our own values and beliefs? Or should they inspire us to renew our faith in something that is only as assured as our willingness to work for it?
As we observe Father’s Day, let us therefore recognize the hundreds of thousands of fathers who have not only consciously taken on a responsibility, but also have genuinely strived to fulfil the promise of love, strength, safety for families.
Let us appreciate, in every way, those fathers who recognize the equal partnership they must continuously work to preserve with mothers as heads of households and leaders of families.
Let us also appreciate that some fathers who may have fallen back on their sacred duties to families may need encouragement and may sometimes need back some of the caring and compassion that they so willingly give.
Let us also appreciate that some Fathers who have turned away from their families are not lost for good, but can return, with love, compassion, guidance and partnership.
Indeed, let us also appreciate that some fathers are also mothers, as some mothers are also fathers.
As a people determined to grow in the global community space and in the eyes of God, we advance only as far as our thinking grows. Therefore, that is where we must start for the inspiration to do more, do better and become the best we all can be.
Happy Father’s Day to Trinidad and Tobago.
THE HONOURABLE KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR, SC, MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION