THE EDITOR, Sir:

As a small country, we grapple with the problem of poverty, fed mostly by the vicious cycle of children being born to women in our society who are not capable of taking care of them.

Lately, we had a situation were many children were left on the streets because of eviction from premises on which their parents were squatting. I noticed, however, that the target during the discussions was the mothers.

This attack on mothers is, most times, unfair. In order for a child to come into this world, a man and a woman share equal roles in the conception process. Hence, both must see to the child's upkeep. For too long, our society has taken a one-sided approach to broken homes. Should fathers go scot-free. Don't they have a responsibility too?

NO SANCTIONS FOR FATHERS

I strongly believe it is this attitude that has contributed to the phenomenon of absentee fathers. They are well aware their behaviour will bring no sanction. So many of these men who leave the responsibility of parenting on our women do jobs that are well paid and are more than able to take care of their children.

Many are doctors, lawyers, government workers, etc. Why bother, though, if they do not have to? It is almost pointless to take some of these men to court as it rarely bears any fruit. Why? Because the system sometimes does not work.

Therefore, I unequivocally call for a different approach. I call on the state to put a system in place where delinquent fathers are forced to take care of their children. Everywhere these men go, a red flag should follow them.

Children are the responsibility of two persons: a mother and a father. It is time our men be made to stand up to their obligations.

PATRICIA CLARKE

Claremont PO, St Ann