T&T: First-time dad pleads for men to step up to the plate!

January 1, 2019 – Trinidad & Tobago – Talisea Lily James was born to Kirby James and Akimbar Grant-James of Calder Hall at approximately 12:02 p.m. on December 25th, 2018 at the Scarborough General Hospital (SGH). Mr. James, an employee of the Division of Community Development, and his wife, who works with a family business, was overjoyed and feeling rejuvenated.

“I feel renewed and fresh again because it’s a happy moment. As a child it wasn’t easy but, as a man, I know how a father is supposed to operate and I thank God for that. Our child will be fathered and when she looks up at us, she will know that she has great parents. God is a miracle-working God.  He worked miracles in our lives and this family will be a testimony family in years to come,” said Mr. James.

But even amidst the joy and excitement at the birth of his first child, Mr. James had his thoughts on other children. He made a passionate plea for men to step up to the plate and take care of their children.

“Fathers, you need to wake up, to step up, you need to get up because mothers cannot do it by themselves.  They did not make a child on their own and they need our support.  They need 100% from us.  If we, as fathers, do what we have to do and really step up to the plate, the world would not be like this.  Fathers, come to me if you need advice because I was and am still fatherless but I have a bigger father; I have God and I want you all to come to me and your life will never be the same again.  If you are on drugs you will come off drugs, if you’re a vagrant you will not be a vagrant again.  I love you and God is in charge,” he added.

On hand to make a presentation to the first-time parents were Mrs. Michelle Edwards-Benjamin, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA), Dr. Ogonna Okeke, Acting Medical Chief of Staff and Mrs. Sarah Celestine-Balfour, Acting Secondary Care Nurse Manager.  Mrs. Edwards-Benjamin extended best wishes to the couple on behalf of the Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development, Councillor Dr. Agatha Carrington, and the Chairman, Ms. Ingrid Melville, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the TRHA.

“On behalf of the Division and the TRHA, I congratulate you and your wife on the new addition to your family and wish you long life and prosperity.  I am very pleased to see you stepping up as a father and may God continue to bless and keep your family,” she stated.

Talisea was the only baby born at the SGH on Christmas Day 2018. Gifts were also distributed by the team to children on the Paediatric Ward of the hospital.

Release: news.gov.tt