Babyfather’s family keeping him from our son

Dear Pastor,

Too many children in Jamaica are being denied their fathers' love and financial support because of selfishness and poor family influence.

I am facing such a situation with my son. His father has been kept away from him by his family, and instead of encouraging him to take responsibility, they are hiding him and benefiting for themselves. This is wrong. A man's first duty is to his child, not to those who shield him from his responsibilities. When children are neglected, the whole society suffers.

I am calling for accountability. Children deserve to be cared for, supported, and loved by both parents. Families who hide fathers from their children are only hurting the innocent.

Initials withheld by request

Dear Writer,

You have not been specific. You should tell me exactly what is happening to you and your child.

How can mothers and family members keep their sons and relatives away from supporting their children? Any woman who knows that she had a child by a man, and he will not support the child by what relatives have told him, she should take him to court to get the support that she needs for the child.

As I said, your letter is very vague. Every reader of this column knows what you have said, and that is, fathers should support their children.

Pastor