Program for Struggling Fathers to Support Their Children Further Explained
By Aabigayle McIntosh
The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has provided further details about a new initiative aimed at offering employment opportunities to fathers who are struggling to make ends meet and unable to adequately support their children.
Under the program, fathers will be given temporary jobs, with a portion of their wages directly allocated to supporting their children. Prime Minister Browne emphasized that this initiative is not intended to be a permanent solution.
“We may decide to offer this for the next 12 months, or until they can secure long-term employment. The government will provide temporary jobs, such as beautification projects. If a person earns, say, $400 or $500 a week, we can ensure that at least $500 goes directly toward feeding their child or children,” the Prime Minister explained.
He stressed that this support will help ensure children receive the care they need, while also giving fathers a second chance to rebuild their lives.
Browne argued that incarcerating these fathers, where they lose the ability to earn, only exacerbates societal issues, potentially pushing their children toward a life of crime.
“It’s like double jeopardy,” he said. The initiative, focused on beautification projects across the island, aims to allow fathers to contribute to their communities while meeting their responsibilities to their children.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2024/09/18/program-for-struggling-fathers-to-support-their-children-further-explained. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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