Comments on: Column: Parenting Council Needs Both Genders

By: Cranston

Cranston — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 21:40:40 +0000

I would argue that it does make the council less than 100% effective. As a father in a co-parenting arrangement, I can say with some certainty that it would be an insurmountable obstacle for a woman to place herself in my shoes. She may imagine, assume perhaps even genuinely empathize with my position, but she will never fully understand it. There are nuances about the female experience that men will never understand, that is just the way of things. This council cannot be 100% effective on an issue of co-parenting without male perspective.

By: Onion Juice

Onion Juice — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 20:48:41 +0000

Well would’ve been benefiting if she mentioned it, IF that was the case.

By: Onion Juice

Onion Juice — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 20:44:16 +0000

Its been a long practice in the Post Slavery Era with African descendants.
Its called Emasculation.

By: NT

NT — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:10:42 +0000

Gay parents? Doesn’t that contradict what you just said? How does one benefit from having both a male and female in their lives if they have two parents of the same gender.

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:06:44 +0000

With regard to the fact that the Council currently has no male representation, Minister Gordon-Pamplin said, “I am confident that the persons currently appointed to the Council will carry out their mandate with professionalism and be able to set high standards for co-parenting mediation in Bermuda.
Read the full article presented by Minister P. Gordon-Pamplin.
“I further wish to make clear that the legislation provides for a council of 5 members, with 2 representing public servants, one of whom must be a mediation coordinator with the Department of Child and Family Services, 1 member representing the Bar Council and 2 members representing mediators in the private sector.”
Minister P.Gordon-Pamplin added, “I expect that males who are interested in joining this regulatory Council, and who meet the legislative criteria will make themselves known for future consideration.”

By: Next

Next — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:05:33 +0000

Didn’t she also say that they would eventually add males? Also shouldn’t someone who has actually raised successful well adjusted noncriminal children be making these sort of demands and heading these councils.

By: hmmm

hmmm — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:49:58 +0000

Perhaps none stepped up when asked.

By: stunned...

stunned... — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:47:23 +0000

… another unnecessary U-turn in the making along with the Tobacco proposal…jeesh

By: AVoice

AVoice — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 13:05:11 +0000

Well Said Mr. Weeks. I was also stunned to see an all-female group myself regardless of their credentials. This is certainly not the way to start and I am sure there are many of us males who agree. The law is already one-sided against males. Do we need another council as well? Minister let’s correct this right away please. Thank you.

By: PBanks

PBanks — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:45:43 +0000

You’d think that at some point during the allocation of these Council Members, the Minister would have thought, hm, it’s probably prudent to have a man or two on board, would save some controversy or backlash later…

But nope. Another misstep that could have been easily avoided.

By: Kenneth

Kenneth — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:42:11 +0000

I concur with Mr. Weeks’ comments, as it took both sexes top procreate they should have a say in the parenting process. Having a council that brings both perspectives on the co-parenting issue is imperative as men and women do look through different lenses but undoubtedly want to reach the same destination.

By: Barbara T.

Barbara T. — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:32:29 +0000

Well said Mr. Weeks. As a person needing the help and support of such a council, this council given its makeup is a non starter for us unfortunately. Such a waste of time.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:43:47 +0000

Only partially.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:42:40 +0000

But he won’t join the council, but he will attack it.

By: Onion

Onion — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 03:05:55 +0000

Nice to see him write an article that didn’t involve being totally dishonest.

I agree, Mr. Weeks.

By: ( Just a thought )

( Just a thought ) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 01:59:11 +0000

I don’t often agree with everything Mr. Weeks has to say but in this case he is correct . There really needs to be males on the council to get it right from the beginning with fair decisions for both parties which has not been the case for a lot of fathers in the courts . I think the Minister made a mistake with this one !

By: aceboy

aceboy — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:16:57 +0000

“…..whose primary aim would be to assist parents finding themselves in the midst of aspiration [whether matrimonial or relationship]; and in dealing with the management of amicable agreements where their children are concerned…..”

Paula? Is that you Paula?

By: Tania

Tania — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 23:42:36 +0000

I know that Mr. Weeks is very involved in a number of initiatives assisting young men in Bermuda to grow into productive citizens. I would imagine the Council is designed to be apolitical so Mr. Weeks can not volunteer, but I can vouch for the positive input he would bring.

By: Rhonnie aka Blue Familiar

Rhonnie aka Blue Familiar — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 22:44:50 +0000

In this I have to wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Weeks.

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 22:28:57 +0000

Yep read the original press relesae, Weeks is twisting context.

Still if it is that important, he will join the committe won’t he!!

If a group needs help do you comment from the sidelines or do you step up and help?

By: jt

jt — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 22:13:58 +0000

I will agree here. While an all female council does not inherently make the council less than 100% effective, it would seem prudent to want to include males on such a council.

By: Alvin Williams

Alvin Williams — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 21:40:06 +0000

YEs it is a mistake to include only women on this council; there is the male perspective and without a presence of the male perspective; I hardly think that it will be totally effective.

By: hmmm

hmmm — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 21:09:52 +0000

So is Weeks volunteering his time to the Council or just picking holes.
She also joked about a doubled barreled last name, but you omitted that.

Weeks off you trot and request to join the council. I’ll be watching your attendance.

By: watching

watching — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 19:59:56 +0000

Well said Mr Weeks. I too was confused when I saw the makeup of the coparenting council. Why would you have only one gender on this council? what does it say to males? many males already feel the judiciary and decision makers are biased in favor of the mother, and now you establish a committee with no representation from males. Very strange thought process here. I hope the Minister reevaluates and adds one of two men onto the council.

By: stunned...

stunned... — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 19:46:07 +0000

both genders need to be represented in the council when it comes to parenting. this is foolishness. women do not hold a monopoly on nurturing and as an enlightentened community we need to be more inclusive. children benefit greatly by having both supportive parents and this includes all parents, gay, straight or otherwise.

not having males on the council is akin to having a committee on race relations with only one race being represented.