A tribute to Fathers

Jun 15, 2025 News, Waterfalls Magazine

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By Franwca Fortune

Kaieteur News – On a day dedicated to Fathers The Waterfalls is placing the spotlight on hard working and dedicated men who always strive to do their best for their families while maintaining their roles as the bread winner and disciplinarian.

Fathers from all walks of life spoke to this publication about what fatherhood means to them, and shared advice to young and new fathers on their role as a father.

Thirty-one-year-old Brain Mc Koy, is a police officer and father of two children. One of each gender and has been a father for five years.

Mckoy told The Waterfalls that being a father has brought a lot of joy and purpose to his life.

He advised new fathers that “being a parent gives you a sense of fulfillment, it is also demanding and requires a lot of learning and growing,” McKoy said since a father plays a crucial role in their children’s lives,  it builds character and the skills needed for development.

“You, being a part of your kid’s life is the best gift you can give them,” the father of two said.

Rovin Thomas is a 44-year-old Firefighter and the father of two girls. He has been a father for 13 years and throughout he stands proud.

Thomas told this magazine that when he received the news that he was going to be a father, he felt proud and was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. That was the moment he knew his life was going to change for the better.

“Life as a father has its challenges at times but being able to watch my two beautiful girls grow, learn and become their own person has been the most rewarding experience of my life,” Thomas said.

He went on to say that being a firefighter is a tough job, but fatherhood gives him purpose and strength to keep fighting.

“Fatherhood means being present for my girls emotionally, mentally and physically. It’s about leading by example, protecting, proving and loving unconditionally which are all lifelong commitments that I cherish deeply,” the firefighter told The Waterfalls.

He advised new fathers that being present is very important since time goes by quickly especially when it comes to the growth of your children.

“You don’t have to be perfect, just consistent and caring while showing empathy,” Thomas noted.

Joshua Emptage has one daughter; he is a technician and has been a father for four years.

The 26-year-old man explained that being a father has its ups and downs but it’s a challenge he willingly accepts.

“I wanted a child for a while, but I wasn’t financially ready, so I was scared when I got the news, but now being a father to my baby girl is amazing,” Joshua said.

Joshua’s message to new and young fathers is one that says, “a child is not a burden, it’s a reminder that you have to get up and stay up because you have responsibilities, also you have to get your act together because they are always watching you.”

Thirty-six-year-old Kurtly English is a barber by profession, has one son and has been a father for four years.

The barber said that upon receiving the news of being a father he was both surprised and happy because he knew it was the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

“Fatherhood means a lot to me because my father wasn’t around completely for about seven years, but we communicated and stayed connected,” English said.

His advice to new fathers is to stay grounded despite the ups and downs, while carrying out their fatherly duty which is care and love your children unconditionally.

Mr. English said that “you don’t start being a father and stop. You have to be a father right through.”

Wendell Jacobs is a 43-year-old father of five, who is also a businessman and has been a father for 21 years.

Jacobs told The Waterfalls that after he heard he was going to be a father he felt a sense of masculinity, maturity and responsibility. He said that was the moment he knew that at the age of 21 he had to leave his parents’ home and form one of his own.

The businessman explained that each of his children brought a different blessing into his life.

“With my first child I moved out from my parents, my second child I built my own home, my third child I went into business as the owner of ‘Chicken King Grill and Bar’, my fourth child I got my first car and with the last one I got married,” he said.

Jacobs said that Fatherhood to him is a form of completion of being a man.

“Knowing that your children would be able to look at you and be proud to let the world know who their father is. He went on to mention that being a father is one of the most amazing accomplishments because you can now feel a sense of belonging.

“Be a father that is there for every stage of your child’s life. Be there to pick them up when they fall, or be home to greet them after school. Being a father means to be present,” the business advises new fathers.

Kurt Britton, 42, is a father of three who is a barber and businessman. Britton has been a father for 11 years to his biological children; however, he has been performing fatherly duties at an early age to his nephews who once lived with him for quite some time.

The businessman stated that since becoming a father his life has greatly improved and would have gotten better because of the love he has for his children.

Britton’s view on fatherhood is being able to shape the minds of the new generation and having the ability to encourage his children through life and assist them in becoming successful.

The father of three believes that “love is a remarkable thing and if you love your children that is more than 80% that is needed to be a father because once you love them you will do everything to make them happy.”

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• Father’s Day, Joshua Emptage, Kurt Britton, Kurtly English, Rovin Thomas, Waterfalls Magazine

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