The Cabinet decided to ensure that unemployed fathers are placed in jobs—in the beautification groups and other employment—so that they may earn an income and provide financial support to their children with single mothers.

Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Lionel Max Hurst told the weekly Cabinet press briefing that too many single mothers are unable to receive any or sufficient financial support for the children that unemployed males have fathered.

The Cabinet reminded the nation that fathers have specific legal obligations, and the Administration intends to assist in ensuring that those fathers earn income from which court-ordered deductions can be made.

“We do not want to see any of these fathers go to jail…We have decided to fund the employment of unemployed fathers with the understanding that a portion of their weekly salaries will be diverted to the magistrate’s court to support their children,” he said.

He said there are also plans to train those who have dropped out of school with various skills to increase their wages.