Letter of the Day | Address Jamaica’s parenting paradox

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica’s birth rate has fallen to worrying levels. The Jamaica Observer in a May news story, ‘Jamaica’s birth rate continues dramatic all as population ages’, quoted data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) that the country’s fertility rate continues to decline and is now well below the level needed to sustain population growth. This decline reflects a deeper truth, fewer Jamaicans are choosing to have children, and many who do are struggling to raise them.

The reason goes beyond economics. Many parents are quietly penalised for being parents. Our work culture is becoming unforgiving. Some employers, both public and private, still believe productivity means being physically present, regardless of personal circumstances.

Policies are being put in place to stop or hinder parents from tending to children. We are expected to work long hours, meet national productivity targets, and contribute to the economy, all while being encouraged to have more children to boost the birth rate.

Yet, there are few facilities, flexible policies, or support systems to help parents do both. It is a contradiction that leaves many mothers and fathers stretched thin, exhausted, and questioning whether they can manage another child or having any at all.

Each day children are dropped off at school a little after sunrise and picked up close to sunset. Some parents collect their children after school and head straight back to the office, where the little ones wait in cars until the workday finally ends. Children are growing up tired, emotionally distant, and longing for time that their parents simply cannot give.

How can we expect our birth rate to increase when raising a child feels like a daily struggle? How can we promote family values while our systems make parenting nearly impossible?

If Jamaica is serious about reversing this decline, we must act. Flexible work arrangements and hybrid options should be standard. Affordable childcare and after-school programmes must be expanded across the island. Family leave must be guaranteed for all workers.

We proudly speak of Vision 2030 which aims to make Jamaica “the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”.

Yet, that vision cannot be achieved if parents are constantly stretched between work and home with no real support. A country that wants to grow must make it possible for families to thrive. Until parenting and working full time is made easier and more valued, our population will continue to shrink, not just in numbers but in hope.

A. COOTE