BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THIS Father’s Day is anticipated to be an eventful one in Sandy Point; for an award ceremony and fun day are planned to highlight the work of outstanding fathers in the community.
The event, organised by the Sandy Point Young Father’s Association, will be held under the theme “Fathers joining hands in time, to eradicate crime in 2009”. Downing Street, Sandy Point is the venue earmarked for the event which begins at 4:00 p.m. and will bring together a number of fathers from the town and surrounding communities.
Speaking to SKNVibes, Travis Douglas, President of the Youth Father’s Association, described the theme as “very important” as he views the role of the family as critical in response to the current crime situation in St. Kitts. He argued that many of the young people who are involved in criminal activities usually do so because of the absence of a father figure within the home.
He added that it is necessary to acknowledge the fathers who are actively involved in their children’s welfare, and to encourage those who have not fully embraced their responsibilities.
“What we find happening is that mothers raise the children and fathers pay some sort of monetary support, but the parental involvement must be more than just that. We must put the confusion aside and raise our children together, because, at the end of the day, the child is the product of both parents,” Douglas said.
The main highlight of the evening will be an award ceremony in which the organisation will honour three fathers within the community. Also, a brief address will be made to the fathers by veteran educator and guidance counsellor Gloria Mills.
“The event is necessary to appreciate good fathers. Indeed, there are good fathers who do more than they are required to do, but they are often neglected. When we come together, we can collectively identify our areas of weakness and clearly illustrate how we could work together for the good of the children. If we here in Sandy Point can make a start, then we hope that neighbouring communities can follow the lead,” Douglas added.
According to the organisers, awardees are selected for being exemplary fathers to their immediate and extended families and for being sterling role models in the community. The honourees must also promote community development projects and should be proponents of community togetherness.
Douglas informed that the evening would be spent in live entertainment and would provide a fun atmosphere for the entire family to enjoy.
