Mums warned

Barbadian mothers have been warned not to weaponise children against their fathers.

Leader of Public Business in the Senate, Senator Lisa Cummins, issued the stern admonition yesterday as she wrapped up debate on the Family Leave Bill, 2025.

“We have long seen too many instances, like in the Magistrates’ Courts, where mothers are withholding access to children . . . . Our courts are not meant to be used in a way that is a weapon against fatherhood,” she said of the landmark legislation, which was passed.

It makes provision for paternity leave, increases the period of maternity leave and also provides access for a family to have leave together at the birth of a child or in the early months of a child’s life.

Meanwhile, Opposition Senator Andre Worrell called for men who father more than one child from different mothers within a close time period to be also recognised in the legislation and not discriminated against.

While he applauded Government for taking the initiative to include paternity leave, he suggested it should also speak to the culture in Barbados and recognise some of its peculiarities. (GC)

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