SOME Jamaicans are in support of the Government’s move to update the terms of maternity leave and introduce time-off for fathers and adoptive parents in public service, noting that there would be more bonding time to create better relationships with children.

Their views were shared with the Jamaica Observer, following an announcement by Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke on Tuesday, indicating the Government’s decision to update the Public Sector Staff Orders of 2004 to reflect the increase in maternity leave from 40 days to three calendar months; introduce paternity leave, for the first time in the public service for fathers of newborns for a specific time and on specific terms to be finalised.

He said that family leave for adoptive parents who are bringing a new child into the home will also be introduced, adding that the components were part of the State’s public sector compensation review.

Here are the views of Jamaicans in St Andrew on Wednesday:

Shanique Edwards, 26: “I think the maternity leave extension is a good decision because quite a lot of mothers are single mothers, so they need the extended time to stay with their children. They will have more time to rest because pregnancy is very strenuous.”

Geemac: “It’s long overdue for women to get an extension and it should be paid maternity leave because what they had was too limited. Fair enough paternity is a new venture and as much as possible we need to encourage not just mothers bonding with babies but fathers playing a vital role also. I think it is a positive move.”

Paul Longmore: “It is a technical case for fathers because they can get children every year or every month. It’s a good idea, but there are a lot of questions to be answered. Mothers are entitled to the maternity extension; they really need it.”

Keisha Jennings, 26: “As it relates to maternity leave, getting an extension from 40 days to three months, I am all for it because some mothers struggle with postpartum depression. Now they will have more time to bond with the baby. You know you’re thinking about going back into the world of work and work can be stressing at times and if the mother doesn’t have somebody to stay at home with her it can be really hectic. For fathers getting paternity leave, I think it’s a good thing because mommy will have the father to share the work load with. For the adoptive parents, not because you didn’t give birth to the child, you will need time to bond with the child, too. Doing all of this will provide healthier children, homes and families.”

Nadz: “I don’t agree with the paternity leave being done; although his partner had children I don’t think he should get at all. I just do not see the point. I do support the maternity leave extension though.”

Floyd, 52: “I love the ideas. Parents need more time to spend with their children.”

Sally Knight, 29: “The extended maternity leave for mothers is okay. Mothers need more time for their children because when they have to go back to work shortly after they give birth, they don’t really have the time to bond. They would have to leave them with their grandmas, aunts, sisters to look after that child. Paternity leave is important, too, because fathers need to bond more with their child because not a lot of people grew up with our dads, like me. Although we didn’t live in the same household, he showed interest.”

Vincent Henry, 40: “It will be better for fathers; it would ease off some of the pressure off the mothers.”

— Brittny Hutchinson