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St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — The government is preparing to introduce paternity leave legislation, Labour Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin has confirmed, as part of a broader effort to promote gender equality and support family life in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking during a Labour Day interview, Sir Steadroy said discussions are already underway to examine the best framework for granting fathers paid leave at the birth of a child, mirroring existing provisions for maternity leave.
“If we’re talking about equal pay for equal work, why not equal privileges for men and women too?” he asked. “Fathers should also be able to bond with their child in those crucial early stages of life.”
The proposed legislation would apply to both public and private sector employees, and consultations with trade unions, employers, and social organisations are expected to begin later this year to finalise the policy details.
Sir Steadroy dismissed outdated assumptions that men would not use paternity leave for caregiving. “That view is not my view,” he said. “Some men care for their children from day one. We must recognise that.”
He credited former National Labour Board Chairman Petra Codrington Corbin for raising the issue years ago and said it was time the matter received the legislative attention it deserved.
The paternity leave proposal comes amid a wider review of Antigua and Barbuda’s labour laws, including revisions to the Labour Code, minimum wage adjustments, and potential reforms to the workweek structure.
Sir Steadroy said the government remains committed to building a stronger, more inclusive labour system. “The family is the cornerstone of society,” he said. “And that means giving both parents the opportunity to be present and supportive in those first days of life.”
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Children benefit when both parents are present in those early days.
I wonder if this will apply to adoptive fathers too?
As a father myself, this would have made a huge difference back when my kids were born.
Why did this take so long? Other countries have had this for years.
It’s encouraging to see policies that support modern family dynamics.