Bridgetown, Barbados: The evolving role of fathers, the importance of strong family relationships, effective co-parenting and planning for children’s futures were among the key topics discussed during Sagicor’s Father’s Day webinar, under the title and theme, “The Dad Blueprint: Building Strong, Present and Purpose-Driven Fathers.”

The virtual event brought together a panel of regional professionals who shared personal experiences and practical advice on navigating fatherhood in today’s society. The webinar was hosted by Sherlon Leon, Head of Sales, St. Lucia Branch, Sagicor Life (Eastern Caribbean) Inc.

Speaking on the changing role of fathers, Fabian Sargeant, Social Worker and Founder and President of the Men Empowerment Network Support (MENS) in Barbados, highlighted the challenges many men face as they seek to redefine fatherhood. “Many of us want to be there for our children, many of us have been playing different roles in our children’s lives. In the past, mothers played some big roles in terms of taking care and nurturing, but we find a lot more fathers now taking that nurturing role and those responsibilities, but society is still giving men a real hard chance when it comes to acknowledging these roles and the changing way we men now see fatherhood.”

The discussion also explored the impact fathers have on a child’s development and wellbeing. Garth Williams, Communications Strategist and Broadcaster from Jamaica, stressed the importance of maintaining a child-centred approach, particularly in situations where parents are separated. “Globally, the people who tend to get in trouble with the law, especially as repeat offenders are people who are from broken homes. I’m not saying that homes that appear to be normal and fine don’t have people that break the law or habitual drug users, but the lion share of the people who run afoul of the justice system are those who have issues with either absentee fathers or fathers who were present but abusive. So, there is a super important role that a solid family foundation whether coparenting or under one household plays in ensuring that your child grows up to be well adjusted and not antisocial.”

Sharing his personal journey, Anil James, Social Media Personality and Influencer from Trinidad and Tobago reflected on growing up without a father after his father died by suicide when he was just two years old and how that experience shaped his own approach to parenting. “I would look at other kids and how they interact with their fathers and wish I would’ve had an opportunity to

experience something like that. So, for me as an adult, the things I never did and the things I yearned for as a child, I try to provide that for my son. So being a father for me was not taught, it was caught.”

The webinar also examined the importance of preparing children for long-term success through financial planning. Dunovan De Graff, Manager of Business Development at Sagicor Investments Trinidad and Tobago Limited ( SITTL) encouraged parents to start investing early, regardless of income level. “One of the mistakes I think sometimes we can make especially when we are not earning that much is to think that we don’t have enough to invest. The bills that come up everyday, yuh know we just so focused on that, but nothing beats starting early. I think that’s one of the major mistakes, waiting, thinking that now is not the right time.”

Adding to the discussion, Andre Barrow, Assistant Vice President of Innovation and Business Solutions at Sagicor General Insurance Inc., reminded parents that success is built over time and through consistent effort. “Social media will make you believe you get there overnight and you go from zero to hero in a day. But the thing to remember is that real progress comes in increments, a journey of a thousand miles, starts with a single step. So, wherever you are today, I would say focus on improving by whatever little bit it might be tomorrow.”

The webinar formed part of Sagicor’s observance of Father’s Day and reinforced the importance of fathers being actively engaged in the lives of their children while building strong family foundations for future generations. Through open and honest discussion, panelists highlighted that fatherhood today requires presence, purpose, resilience and a commitment to lifelong growth.