Though 70 to 80 percent of Barbadian children are born “outside of marriage”, it is impossible for them to be fatherless. 

The system of birth registration must be modernised to show: (a) father’s name (b) remove the occupation of parents, and (c) remove name of informant.  While the register may hold items (b) and (c) there are not necessary for the birth certificate – a public document.

Presently, a father’s name can only appear on the birth certificate if he physically presents himself to the court at the time of birth registration.  A well-intentioned father who by circumstances is a guest at the injury or mental health institutions, is enjoying the hospitality of Dodds, or is out of the island at the time of registration has to take corrective action at a later date.

Therefore, well intention fathers who cannot be physically present for registration should be allowed to submit an affidavit.

For the not-so-well-intentioned, the Court can adopt of system of notifying the gentleman that it is the intention of the Court to recognise him as the father of the child xxx of Jane Doe birthed on xx/xx/xxxx, and giving him three months to object with scientific evidence.

The interest of the few irresponsible gentlemen should not take precedence over the psychological wellbeing of a child.

by Norma Springer