Opposition Leader Marc Bean On Father’s Day

June 14, 2013

marc bean bermuda PLP[Written by Opposition Leader Marc Bean]

On behalf of The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, I would like to extend best wishes and much honour and respect to the fathers of Bermuda. I would like to extend special thanks to my father. Raising our family after the passing of my mother, took a special degree of strength and character that we appreciate and cherish. The lessons learned at the knee of my father about life, self determination and integrity are never far from my heart and I am truly grateful for all that he has done for our family.

I am also grateful to the many men who whether we call them “uncle,” “cousin,” “coach,’ “sensi,” or “Mr.” continue to educate, inspire and enrich the lives of our young people. Growing up in the White Hill community and witnessing positive men, committed to sharing their experience and wisdom with the youth and expanding our knowledge revealed a reality that contradicted the negative images pushed and highlighted in the media. I saw men who provided for their children, volunteered their time to their community and who were determined to leave a better Bermuda than the one they had known. They may not have been our biological fathers, but these positive men of vision were and continue to be the bedrock of our community. I am particularly thankful for men like Eugene “Sam” Maybury, Dr. Radell Tankard, and Larry Archibald (Ras Archie), as 3 men in particular who, in addition to my father and uncles, guided me into manhood and fatherhood

Father’s Day is often the time when we focus on the men who fall short of their responsibilities and ignore the good men in our midst. For many of us, Father’s Day is a reminder of unkept promises, unfulfilled relationships and unmet expectations. Every day we see the impact that the lack of a strong positive male influence has on our children and our island. Yet, I believe that we do Bermuda a disservice when we fail to recognize the majority of men; the ones who work tirelessly, sacrifice their health and often tolerate spirit crushing indignities, just to provide for their families.

I am inspired by the fathers I have encountered along my life’s journey. I think of the father who worked fifteen hours a day, six days a week yet still made breakfast for his children and personally took them to school every day. I think of the father who willingly took in, loved, raised and provided for children that were not his own. I think of the father who sacrificed his dreams and ambitions to ensure that his wife and children could reach their full potential.

As men, we must be discerning in choosing who we select to be the mother of our children. As husbands, boyfriends and partners we must be a helpmate who loves and respects our women. As fathers we must strive for our children to have a better life and greater opportunities than we had. If our relationships end, we must not let the negative feelings that we may have for the mother affect the relationship that we have with our children. As members of our community, we must honour our commitments, keep our word and provide support, wisdom, guidance and love to those in our circle of influence.

I am blessed to have been raised by a good father and blessed to have been given the opportunity and challenge of being a father, myself. Fatherhood has changed me in so many ways, perhaps most importantly, in giving me a true sense of what it means to love someone more than yourself. This Father’s Day, I join with men across the globe in renewing our commitment to our families, our children and our communities. Please join with us as we celebrate and honour the men in our lives.

- Marc Bean

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Comments (16)

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  1. Double Standards says:

    Happy fathers day to all BDian fathers…

    • Brumaire says:

      Oh hello Marc Bean! I’d forgotten about you.

  2. Vote for Me says:

    MP Bean, this a a very insightful post. I trust that all men, whether biological fathers or not, will take heed. Beyond the personal satisfaction of being an inspiration to others, particularly our young men, Bermuda will be the ultimate beneficiary.

    Men being seen as strong leaders is the true solution to Bermuda’s current social ills and a necessary precursor to our economic success.

  3. Victor says:

    Is it just me or do I sense a very conservative, patriarchal streak coming through here? “As men, we must be discerning in who we choose to be the mother of our children.” And should women be discerning too? What say ought they to have in choosing? I would be curious to hear a few women’s reactions to Mr. Bean’s well composed and thought out message.

    • Concerned Citizen says:

      Victor, I think you should read the Opp Leaders mothers day remarks. Same tone, same instruction and guidance. This is a very good piece by the PLP leader and reveals much about the character of the man. Very inspirational, yet very frank and truthful.

  4. countrygirl says:

    @ Victor. I think his message is very inspirational. Touching, Brilliant. It is just too bad people are not commenting on it like they are so quick to respond so negatively on other reports. Mr. Bean. A very good peice!!! Touching. I always look forward to hearing what you have to say. Happy Fathers Day to you!! Happy Fathers Day to all the Fathers and Father figures that play a positive role in our kids lives.

  5. pilot011 says:

    Happy Fathers Day Marc! Very lovely your children are blessed to have you as a father!

  6. Happy Fathers day to all fathers but especially to fathers who raised children that they did not born, and to the sperm donors that did not raise their children. I am sure I can speak on behalf of some of the mother and maybe a good portion of them,That had not it been for your sperm we would not have had the privilege of raising wonderful young boys and girls, who have now grown into fine young man and women.

    The moral of the story is that even though the so called father who never took an interest in their own child’s life to be a dad or a father, did not play a part.then I say thanks to all the men who became a father to these individuals so that they were not denied the right to have a healthy home and up bringing.

    This has to be said because I truly believe Bermuda would be a much better place, if we stop being sorry losers and start being real fathers and role models to are youth.

  7. Deborah Smith says:

    Thanks Marc, for your Pearls of Wisdom. I trust that your words will inspire other fathers out there. Happy Father’s Day to you and every father role model out there. Happy Father’s Day to the single Mothers who are raising their sons as I know from experience that it is not easy for a woman to guide and instruct young boys on how to become respectable and responsible young men. Blessings to all.

  8. I'm just saying...... says:

    Happy Fathers day Mr Bean,

    You have blessed so many of us with out even realizing it,
    Please continue to speak from your heart,This is What Our Country Needs
    More Love…..
    I pray with God’s Grace you can reach the few and i stress FEW that are not listening

    Bless Up…..

  9. Why says:

    Marc, That was a beautiful message to fathers and to Bermuda. And for those fathers who have waivered from your duty, apologize to your children, to the moms or other persons who may have been affected by your decisions. If you’re not forgiven by humanity know that spirit has forgiven you and most importantly …..forgive yourself.

  10. citi zen says:

    Marc you continue toput things in perspective for the men of this country. I must say thanks because it should cause women to think and choose wisely before we start having babies.

    There are lots of us who would not think about who we are having children for. If he didn’t treat you good before the baby, he is the same person and he would not come through as a father either.

    So, should we look at him or her.

    He simply answered the call to ablige you with pleasure and you accepted and produced. You’re lucky if he is a good father.

    Think about it.

  11. Bewildered says:

    Can I have a spliff?

    • Concerned Citizen says:

      Ask the Minister of Community or National Security to give you a spliff! Must be one of those fools who can’t handle Bean’s words. Deadbeat daddy maybe? Smh

  12. Proud Mom says:

    Mr Bean I would like to thank you for your thoughtful insight and inspirational words of wisdom.
    I was a single mother and acknowledge the positive male role models in my children’s lives. I also echo the comments of ‘Why’ Fathers who haven’t been there for their children it’s not to late, no matter how old your child is, to try to make it right…do it for your child do it for yourself. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers of Bermuda our country is truly in your hands