THE Men’s Affairs Bureau within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security yesterday hosted “Like Father Like Son”, a programme in observance of Father’s Day, at the Auditorium of St Stanislaus College on Brickdam, Georgetown, and proceedings were well attended by numerous fathers and their sons.

The intention was to encourage and assist biological and surrogate fathers to realise their true potential as fathers.

Dr. Kwame Gilbert, Chairman of the National Commission for the Family, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Labour, Human Service and Social Security, pointed out that the disconnection between fathers and sons is a historical issue, and programmes of this nature should be implemented more frequently in communities across the country.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Human Services Ministry, the former Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau, Mr. Patrick Findlay, told the Guyana Chronicle that the programme served to create an avenue or opportunity for fathers and sons to bond; and it also helped fathers to realise the importance of their roles in the lives of their sons.

Findlay said young men have the potential to exceed their current standings, and those who have not achieved their full potential may have been hindered by the absence of their fathers in their lives; or maybe though present, their fathers were uninvolved in their children’s lives.

He noted that the impression that men are unimportant in society was created through the independence of women, but stressed that “a mother cannot be a father under any circumstance…. Fathers set a good role model for their sons.”

Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau, Mr. Diego Alphonso, speaking at the event, added that the objective was to open the communication lines between fathers and sons, and provide a great opportunity to strengthen relationships. He urged those present to view the occasion not as the end, but as only the beginning of a conversation among fathers and sons.

In an invited comment from Timothy King, Director of Man Tent Guyana and host of X1 Interface, a weekly television programme aired on the National Communications Network, it was explained that this is an opportunity for fathers and sons to “bond”.

He stressed that this does not only focus on current fathers but also on future fathers, who were provided opportunity to experience fatherhood. Mr. King said: “This will affect their views and open an appetite for quality fathering.”

Like “Father Like Son” was an interactive programme which featured dramatic presentations and discussions, as well as indoor and outdoor activities that promoted bonding between fathers and their sons. It provided an opening for them to identify and celebrate likenesses, and to fuel positive communication.

Dr. Mark Constantine, Clinical Physcologist in the Men’s Affairs Bureau, added that the success of a father is measured by the success of his children.

The Men’s Affairs Bureau is a recently established department (launched 4th March 2010) within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services & Social Security. It is responsible for partnering, organising and coordinating the activities of men and men’s groups throughout the length and breadth of Guyana so as to address issues relating to, and associated with, men and masculinity.

The Men’s Affairs Bureau is engaged in helping and encouraging men and boys to realise and fulfill their true potential as fathers, husbands, brothers, partners, and positive role models in our communities and across the country.
Written By Sandy Agasen