CariMan wants ‘male desk’ established

carimanCariMAN Dominica Chapter President Thomas Holmes, is calling for a male desk in Dominica where men and boys can go for moral and emotional support.

The organisation said its is concerned with the level of sexual, physical and emotional abuse and violence being committed by and among males and the violence meted out to boys and men and there is nowhere they can go to express themselves comfortably.

“Most men and boys will not feel comfortable approaching the office of the Bureau of Gender Affairs or the Dominica National Council of Women for moral and emotional support,” he said. “They need the physical presence of male officers or male counselors who will listen to their plight,” Holmes said on Monday.

It is on this basis that Holmes thinks that a male desk is necessary in Dominica. “CariMan requests and will continue to impress on the relevant authorities to provide a male desk where men and boys can come freely to discuss with their peers about the many social issues that impact their lives and impede their total development,” he stated.

He noted that the organisation is in need of financial and technical assistance since it struggles to facilitate gender-based programs in schools and communities.

“We appeal to corporate citizens out there to support us. We are very much aware of other organisations out there. However, we need to create a safe environment for our boys at school, in communities, in the homes and we have to keep our males away from prison. We need financial support for our programs,” Holmes stated.

He also identified the need for committed males to be true advocates for gender equality and human rights and facilitate the process to reduce and prevent all forms of violence, particularly violence against women and children and violence by, and among, young males.

Meanwhile, a youth arm of CariMan is one programme which the organisation intends to implement in the future. The programme will include in and out of school young males who can be role models for their younger peers in promoting peace, harmony, positive partnership to end violence.

The organization will also seek financial and technical sponsorship to implement a Prison Project to engage young male offenders in addressing the reduction and prevention of gender based violence.

This project will engage young males at the prisons in theoretical and practical methods while in prison.

CariMan is presently observing a week of activities in Dominica. Among them are presentations to secondary school students during general school assembly, a panel discussion, a prize giving ceremony for winners of a poetry contest and a special Father’s Day event where five fathers will be recognized for being positive role models to their children.

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19 Comments

  1. really n truely
    June 4, 2013

    the role of the churches.
    Ask the churches!

  2. Just Saying
    June 4, 2013

    As a woman, a single mother of a young man, who i thank God for every day and a supporter of all groups, organizations that look to improve children and most importantly boys and young men and by extension society, i support u 100%, which i could help!

  3. fustrated mother
    June 4, 2013

    I support this statement. To many men are not fathers. I have 2 boys in secondary school and not a cent from their dad now he is in love with a Haitian and said thats the best thing that could happen in his life. Men must learn to be role model for their kids. I am tired of walking to court for child support and the case cannot call. If anyone who can advise me reads this article please help me.

    • lovemyisland
      June 4, 2013

      The Hatian tie the case!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO

    • Justice and Truth
      June 6, 2013

      Dominica is in dire need of some Laws that will benefit every one, adults and children alike, where they apply. The government should look into this matter. A child support Law should be enacted. If there is already one and you go to Court, what is holding back the Court from applying it stringently?
      This man is a bad example for his children. Non-child support is a serious matter. Children were brought into the world. They were not asked to come into the world and did not bring themselves here. Therefore, it is imperative that they are well-taken care of. If they do not, God will hold those parents accountable.
      Parents as this man must bear their responsibility of child support. It is a crime to refuse to pay child support. This man is downright bold and irresponsible. You need a serious-minded lawyer who takes his/her responsibility seriously.
      You should talk to a member of parliament about your serious concerns. If this one does nothing, he/she is not taking the responsibility seriously.
      The government should enact a Law for “dead-beat dads”. This is what it is called especially in Canada. There is also an On Line government directory with the names of dead-beat dads. That is a further punishment to expose them for non child support. This should teach them a lesson.
      If they are charged with non-payment and the Court finds them guilty, they must pay child-support, sometimes through the Court.
      If they are employed and fail to pay child support, the government will garnish their wages and the amount of child support owing will be deducted through the employers’ payroll. They could also be sentenced to prison for a certain amount of time.
      If they failed to pay for child support, whatever the amount they will have to pay it as back-pay.
      It appears that this “dead-beat dad” owes you a lot of money. If he is employed and has assets he can afford to pay for child-support. Therefore pursue it through the Court.
      Most of all, the government should be notified and action taken. The thought crossed my mind, inform the Welfare department about it. I expect that they are knowledgeable about this and should be able to offer you advice and assistance in ataking further action.
      I wish you good luck. God bless you and your children!

  4. Macho
    June 4, 2013

    Carimen/boys is utter rubbish….sounds like secret gays to me.. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • Too Hard Too Long
      June 5, 2013

      And you are part of the problem. If a woman speaks up about being role models to young women, it is applauded as a good thing. If a man speaks up about being role models for to young me, he is heralded as being gay. Would you prefer that women be the role models for men? We can do that, you know. Women can do anything. But this is a job for the men, the responsibility of the men. Step up.

    • Justice and Truth
      June 7, 2013

      Do not make me laugh. :lol: Why are you accusing him of this? It appears he wants to genuinely help the men – all men with no exception. Professionally, men feel comfortable or more comfortable speaking to men about their personal affairs than they would to a woman. They are the same gender and probably could better assist those who are in the same category as they are. Give him a break and see how he will handle this situation. First, it is a trial.

  5. June 4, 2013

    you cannot frighten people away then ask them to come and talk freely.

  6. Ben Haynes PsyD.
    June 4, 2013

    Mr. Holmes, kudos to you and your organization. We have a tough journey ahead of us but l believe we have the resources to bring changes hence, a better life for our children. l have to say that the more l look at D/ca l can see it becoming increasingly diverse which means that outside influences are the order of the day. But not only your organization, but schools, churches, government and particularly parents must address this problem that is inflicting this nation with the same authority we give tourism ect., After-all, the answer is right at our finger tips needed for a changing D/ca. I have met many experts with the tools to mold our future generation of fathers, leaders within this society. Sadly, what we have among us are problems where the inability to trust oneself and others, the fear of loving and forming close relationships, low self-esteem, the inability to recognize and express anger, the denial of one’s own power as a person, and what you Mr. Holmes l believe is expressing, the foundation of personality development. Certainly, there are much more l can add to this list. But how D/ca as a nation approach its children’s early development, the role of family in society, government’s responsibility as a protector, a partner in citizenship, recognition or focusing on the problems of the male as an important figure in the lives of our youth would decide what the future of this country will be. Your organization is timely with your proposals, and l pray that support for your campaign and organization will make a difference.

  7. Anonymous
    June 4, 2013

    This is a great idea. Men need somewhere they can go and persons who will listen to their side of the story. Too many times they are ignored, society makes them feel that they are not human, they do not feel pain and hurt and need love. I support the male desk 100%.

  8. June 4, 2013

    hold up. after cariman’s stance on gays/lesbians they want to offer forum for gays/lesbians to express themselves? what confusion is that?

    • lovemyisland
      June 4, 2013

      all you not seeing Homes hisself confused, chupes

  9. DFR
    June 4, 2013

    While this idea is all well and good it starts with home training followed by a solid education.Parents must be more accountable and take responsibility for the upbringing for their children. We still have too many deadbeat dads around. Reproduction is easy ! child rearing that’s another story!

  10. Cza
    June 4, 2013

    :mrgreen: true cause men think its embarrassing to talk to police bout that

  11. Too Hard Too Long
    June 4, 2013

    I agree. I have sons and I am aware everyday, of the bias that exists against boys. I see how teachers naturally prefer the girls because the girls behave better. I notice how my son does so much better in school now since he got a male teacher. In all his previous classes, the female teacher’s comments were “He is very restless and talk to much. He needs to settle down.” In his present class, the male teacher’s comments were “He is bright and very energetic and asks a lot of questions, participates very well in class.” – a totally different perspective on the same child.

    All of a sudden, my child not troublesome, he is just a young boy who cannot sit still if he gets bored.

    Boys need role models. Society also needs to give the boys a break. Males also need to give each other a break. They put each other under a lot of pressure to conform, to be macho. An office for Men’s Affairs is a good idea. Its time to rebuild man’s confidence in himself.

    • Anonymous
      June 5, 2013

      Of course you boy need to calm down what the heck? Male teacher gave you a diplomatic answer which is just what you like to hear so now you feel you safe but the female teacher was being realistic. While I believe in diplomacy we cannot mislead people into comfort zone less they become careless. I will not tell you that there is no poop under your bed then when the sun get hot it stinks :mrgreen:

  12. Nkrumah Kwame
    June 4, 2013

    I wholeheartedly subscribe to this initiative. Even at the international level, more specifically at the United Nations, we have seen the Decade on women, the decade on youth but our men have not seen that attention [paid to them at all. Seems that for these organizations,Joseph (father of Jesus)has been sidelined. But, as the saying goes, “better late than never”.

  13. June Bug
    June 4, 2013

    I agree 100%

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