Fathers group calls for major overhaul of paternity leave policy

Senior Reporter

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Rhondall Feeles, president of the Fathers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FATT), has issued a call to the Government and the labour movement to legislate substantial paternity leave of eight to 12 weeks, arguing that meaningful parental rights for men are long overdue.

Feeles was speaking at a collaborative “Hike and Plant” event in Williamsville, where volunteers, young couples and families planted more than 100 seedlings in a symbolic legacy-building exercise.

He highlighted what he described as a longstanding gap in labour rights for fathers in T&T, noting that despite men being part of the workforce for more than a century, their legal rights as parents remain limited.

“Men have been a part of the labour force for the last 129 years, yet they still have not been able to obtain meaningful parental rights,” Feeles said.

“Currently, what men have is a two-to-three-day CPO (Chief Personnel Officer) direction for permanent employment. We are saying it is time for legislated opportunity leave of an equitable nature so that men can be a part of their children’s lives.”

Feeles cited scientific research on paternal bonding, referencing studies on neuroplasticity from the University of Southern California conducted by Dr Darby Saxby and Dr Laura Cárdenas. The research suggests that the male brain undergoes measurable changes and is “trained” toward improved parenting when fathers are granted early and meaningful interaction with newborns.

“It takes more than going on a podium tomorrow for Father’s Day and saying, ‘Men, be better fathers,’” Feeles said. “It takes government and leadership to do what is necessary to support fathers through the brain training of fatherhood into their male cycle of life.”

The FATT leader also called on labour unions to advocate for paternity leave with the same intensity applied to other industrial relations issues.

“We are the fathers’ advocate, yes, but for years men have stood by your side. Men make up about 80 to 90 per cent of your membership,” he said, urging unions to support a mandatory eight to 12 weeks of paternal leave in the workplace.

The event, marking the second year of collaboration between FATT and the Hike and Plant initiative, saw strong community participation.

Feeles expressed gratitude to residents of Williamsville, coordinator Shahzad Mohammed, and a local mosque that provided parking facilities for patrons.

He also spoke about the often unseen emotional and physical responsibilities carried by male heads of households, who balance the roles of disciplinarian and protector.

He urged children to show appreciation for their fathers regardless of financial circumstances.

“Let them know you care, let them know you love them, let them know that you appreciate all that he does for you—whether he could buy a gift for you or bring a coconut for you on a day you don’t have the money to buy a gift,” Feeles said.

“That is what fathers need to feel in their family: seen and appreciated. To feel as though they exist.”