The recently founded organization, Father Cry, conducted its first motivational conference at the Rodney McArthur Rey Auditorium on Friday, June 15th, in observance of the 5th National Men’s Week and, in particular, with respect to the Father’s Day celebrations.
Father Cry is the brainchild and vision of the Anguilla Evangelical Association’s President, Pastor Philip Gumbs. The all-day conference which commenced at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 3:00 p.m. was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services.
The prime purpose of the conference was to motivate fathers in realizing their God-given, innate responsibilities that are brought to bear in successfully raising their children in a stable social/parental environment.
According to Pastor Gumbs: “Father Cry gives a voice to the cry of countless hearts for fathers, and it offers healing to the wounded. In so doing, Father Cry recognizes the significance of men and the incredible influence of fathers in our societies.”
The Pastor continued: “This conference engages gifted speakers, testimonials, panel discussions, music and fun activities to show through scripture, science and human experience the cure for society’s deepest wound — the father wound. We are driven by the conviction that to effectively address the fatherhood crisis is to remedy 75% of society’s crises.”
National addresses relative to fatherhood were delivered to the conference and broadcast over radio as well as via Lloyd Gumbs social media. One such message was delivered by the Hon. Evans McNiel Rogers, Minister of Social Development, who spoke in part: “We live in a society where fathers’ rights and the important role they play in the lives of children must be recognized. This conference focuses not only on fathers, but on boys and men who do not have fathers in their lives. If it is that we recognize the importance of fathers in the lives of boys and men, then we must also recognize the painful experiences of those who do not have positive father-figures in their lives.
“I wish to thank the organizers of this conference for stepping up to the plate and for taking on this challenge. There should be an element of continuity in these types of conferences for we are not fathers in the lives of children for a day or a week — but forever.”
A timely address was also given by Dr. Ronya Foy-Connor, Director of Gender Affairs. She highlighted the observation of one anonymous local young man who stated: “The father’s cry, whatever this may mean to you, does not mean to me falling tears. The father’s cry to me is a cry for help within our nation to regain that connection that we have lost over the years. It is the connection of the father’s place in the home — a father’s place with his children, with his family, friends and with his loved ones.
“It is the father’s influence on our young men in our prison; the father’s care for single mothers across the island. It is the role that fathers play in helping our young boys and girls in our schools. This role needs to be restored, and the father’s cry is asking for our help.”
Mr. Stanford Richardson, Director of Social Development, also presented an address in which he stated in part: “Today, we see children being used as pawns in conflicts between parents. This is not an uncommon trend. It is sad and unacceptable. I often take opportunities at events like these to commend fathers who shoulder their responsibilities to provide and care for their children. I commend those fathers who make it their duty to ensure that their children are “OK”. I also commend those mothers who encourage absent fathers to be involved in the lives of their children even though their relationships are broken.
“There are many mothers like that. They would come and say: ‘I want my son’s father to be involved in his life; my daughter is reaching an age where she needs to experience the love and embrace of a father’. And I commend those fathers who wisely sum up the situation and conclude: ‘This is my child. I will provide for him; I will provide for her. I will be there for my child no matter what, because I know what it is like to grow up without a father. That is not going to happen to my son; that is not going to happen to my daughter.’ Yes, there are fathers like that, and they need to be applauded.” (Audience applauds.)
The special highlight of the conference was a panel discussion with the theme: “The Unrealized Power of a Father”. The panelists included Pastor Elmead Allen, Pastor Lucien McDonna, and Gospel Singing Artist Kevin Heath of Jamaica. Each panelist shared stirring stories of experiences surrounding the quality of his relationship with his own dad.
Though many of these experiences were less than favorable, the three men stood resolutely determined to change the ancestral trend and reverse the quality of fatherhood they experienced so that their own children, as well as the children with whom they may come in contact, would benefit from a father’s genuine care and nurturing.
The Father Cry conference was favored by a special rendition from the aforementioned Kevin Heath who gave a stirring performance of his popular song “I’m Above”. A stellar presentation of the song “If that Girl Had a Father” (written by Pastor Gumbs) was lustily sung by the renowned vocalist Gweneth Webster featuring the accompaniment of Pastor Gumbs himself. Later, the Pastor demonstrated his recognition of two youngsters, Rahcodi Hodge and Kuizanique Hodge for their outstanding performances in a recent church-sponsored sports meet. The two were awarded with special presentations.
The Father Cry activities continued with a special concert on Friday evening featuring the versatile and energetic Kevin Heath. Saturday, June 16th saw “Fathers and Family Fun Day”, at the Coronation Park, as well as a heart-rending father-oriented event dubbed “Let Me Tell You My Story”. Finally, Father Cry wrapped up with a special program, entitled “Father’s Tribute” at the Church of God Holiness.
Pastor Philip Gumbs noted that because the father wound is so deep in every Caribbean island, the vision of Father Cry is destined to be shared as a regional event.
