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.... Guest Editorial

23rd March 2010
Whatever happened to fatherhood?

In St Lucia today various forms of social decay: such as drug abuse, immoral sex, promiscuity, incest, crime and violence mar our society. Reports on crime and violence have dominated our news in recent times. St Lucia is now at a critical juncture and it is opportune for us to examine some of the factors that have caused the crime situation to remain unabated. We need to identify the root cause of our problems and determine the appropriate remedies to rescue our nation from this quagmire.
On the 11th and 12th of October 2006 the first OECS Conference on Youth Crime and Violence was held at the CARA Suits Hotel in St Lucia. It was then recognized that crime and violence… prevalent amongst youth, was a major challenge to the small economies of the OECS.A report coming out of the conference indicated that the typical characteristics of youth “ at risk” in the OECS were as follows: males 15 – 19 years from families and communities dealing with unprecedented challenges; others with incomplete secondary school education; some with little formal education – most of whom ascribing to subcultures marked by substance abuse and criminal activity. Although the characterization was not unique to the OECS and was perhaps stereotypical, the subculture was indeed growing steadfastly. The situation, as it was recorded warranted immediate attention before this generation of youth goes extinct.
The conference acknowledged also that: the Caribbean had a distinguished and unique family structure, which influenced the community environment and added a rich quality to its social, cultural and spiritual lifestyle. Therefore, dysfunctions that negatively affect and destabilize the family environment would lead to anti-social behaviour and conduct disorders amongst adolescent youth. Consequently, interventions designed to rekindle and enrich the natural family environment could be a formidable factor for fighting crime amongst adolescent youth.
What has happened to the family…and homes in our communities? Let us examine the issues closely. The family is considered to be the social unit for bringing children into the world. The father being the head or the leader of the family.
All societies, primitive, developing and industrialized, have some form of marriage between man and women. Marriage being the approved setting for bearing children. The following represents the functions of the family dating as far back as the beginning of civilization: Socialization; Reproduction; Economic; Identity/Status and Emotional Stability.
 
 

What about fatherhood? Has this been marginalized over the last fifty years? The role of the father historically is to: provide, protect and educate. These days in most countries the trend is that men are abandoning their families in unprecedented numbers. Research has revealed that the two main causes of fatherlessness in our times being divorce and co – habitation. Should we allow this unacceptable trend to continue? Perhaps we need to examine the way we live and return to the sacramental, covenantal union of man and woman committed to procreation, education of children and the good of the spouses. A relationship within which God plays an active role as the third partner.
Modern, secular culture has undermined and rejected these values and what today manifest as anti – social behavior is a consequence of our questionable way of life. In today’s world change is very often accepted and permanence treated as being archaic and backward. Sacraments have been pushed aside by the advent of aggressive technology and what is referred to as pragmatic materialism. The revocable contract between partners has now superseded the irrevocable covenant of marriage causing an explosive growth in fatherless families. These days children are viewed as products and often liabilities; or an obstacle to individual happiness and a struggle over the denial of materialism, subjected through sacrificing for the child and suffered by the parents. Even the very idea of sanctity in marriage is viewed by some as a religious delusion.
What we need today in this country is strong leadership. Sufficent courage and conviction to elevate us above our fears towards a new social consciousness. We need to strive to restore the values of the family and fatherhood and take responsibility to protect and guide our siblings. Teach them to love, respect life and each other. Teach them Godliness, humility and service to the community and country. If we could achieve this - then we may experience peace and unity in our communities once again.

By Peter Fevrier
FAMILY & LIFE SECRETARIAT

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