Talkback

Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke on Tuesday announced changes to paid family leave for public-sector workers. Among the changes is the introduction of leave for fathers of newborns and adoptive parents. What are your thoughts on the introduction of paternity leave for public-sector workers?

Here are the responses from readers via Twitter and Instagram:

“It’s about time. Men need time with the baby, too. Glad the Government is getting with the times. In some developed countries, the offering is ‘parental leave’, so either parent can stay home with the baby.” - @Kiki62776021

“This deserves plenty pot covas! Love to see this!” - @RebelWomenLit

“Thanks to the agitation of the JCTU. The minister has responded positively to our request made in a recent meeting. All those who said it shouldn’t happen, go hold your trolling corner. I am happy I pushed for it.” - @LambertBrownJa

“It’s been a long time since a headline made me smile.” - @iahkcin

“I feel like this ain’t gonna apply to doctors. They’re gonna find a way to remove us from this benefit.” - @Jenablez

“For married men only. Can you imagine some scattashot man want paternity leave every 6 months.” - @rosewright_art

“A good idea for those who will ensure they help the mothers; and, I guess, a good way for fathers to accept the responsibility of owning their child. I hope the minister puts proper measures in place for them to prove legitimate fatherhood.” - @madambernie

“I am all for it. As a mother who had to make few adjustments to accomodate my parents being home with me and (the) baby during the days, don’t know how I would have managed. Dad took on the night shifts and weekends, but what about the many moms who don’t have that village support? I am all for this. It opens the door for great support and bonding for the entire family.” - @makadahaye_eventplanningguru

“Nice, but 4 or 6 months would be better. Dip inna the Chrismus bag again deh fi mi. Mi waan try fi mi girl.” - @rshanique

“What’s the point of this and you salary stagnant fi how much years. Major companies of this country don’t have daycare options, currently. Work is limited as it is and you want to populate more people? Mi can barely buy bread.” - @zico_alwaysno.1

“Will the bill include parents who’ve had miscarriages or stillbirths?” - @brownskintami

“I hope all government workers know that 3 calender months will now count holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, which isn’t done at the moment. Don’t be fooled. They always do this to trick those who don’t know how to think. Note that the Maternity Leave Act states the minimum that no employer in Jamaica should go below. That simply means that the Government could have done what some private-sector companies have been doing and pay ladies beyond the minimum stipulated by the act. We ain’t getting anything that they won’t be taking back. It’s that simple.” - @yansam1981

“Promote marriage while you at it, too; it’s really necessary at this time; too much broken family = problem.” - @shuejenn

“Love this! Definitely a step in the right direction! I would’ve done well with the extended time.” - @d.aiee

“Paternity leave going to cause pure problems!! Story going to come to bump when him can’t take paternity leave more than once per year, if two persons (are) pregnant in the same year and due different months.” - @jewelpott876