My Fellow Citizens and Residents,

Today, as we lovingly celebrate our Nation’s Fathers out of appreciation and gratitude for all they do, I feel honoured to be one of them.

As the Proud Father of two remarkable young women, I count my blessings that the values and teachings instilled in them as young children remain at the core of who they are.

This, for me, is The Best Father’s Day Gift of All and the epitome of why the consistent giving of discipline, time and love is so critically important to successful Fatherhood and child-rearing.

Certainly, it takes a village to raise a child, so today I join the rest of the world in thanking all the Father Figures who are always available to give advice and support – as a Father should – and to fill the gap left by those biological fathers who, for whatever reasons, do not participate in activities with their children, as well as talk with and take care of them.

This Father’s Day, I challenge us – as I did last year – to imagine a world where every child benefits from a Father’s involvement, investment and interest throughout childhood and into adulthood.  What a wonderful world that would be!

It would be remiss of me not to mention the stellar contributions of the many women who are serving as both Mothers and Fathers due to the phenomenon of absentee fathers where fathers are alive but are emotionally, financially and/or socially absent from parenting duties.  These women who are doing double duty deserve special honour and encouragement, and they are urged to not grow weary in doing good.

On behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, I commend and acknowledge all of our Federation’s Fathers and Father Figures for their investments of time, effort and resources in the care, development and education of the Nation’s children. 

On this Father’s Day – and, indeed, every day – we recognize your vital role in ensuring that our future leaders achieve success and happiness in life. 

Happy Father’s Day!