Single father goes all out to raise daughter

When his wife Cheryl died in 2014 from cancer, Hasan Garvey, from Gayle in St Mary, promised his then nine-year-old daughter Gabrielle that he will always be there for her.

The 47-year-old livestock farmer is living up to that promise, despite the challenges that come with being a single parent.

"It's an absolute joy! My father was the type who provided, he wasn't the lovey-dovey type but he was the one who provided and encouraged you. He believed in the community, he wasn't about himself and the community loved him back. I try to emulate those things as a father and I can say that so far it is working," said Garvey.

Garvey, who was married to Cheryl for 14 years, admits it has not always been smooth sailing to raise Gabrielle, especially with little or no money to operate with.

"It brings me joy to know that I can help to mould someone who may one day display the qualities I helped to instill. But that is the major challenge though. Even though she is not a fussy child, she is quiet and introverted, but it is not easy being a single parent with limited amount of money," said Garvey, who raises goats and plants crops for a living.

"I have a very small farm. I am from a farming family but not much is happening now. I tend to do long-term farming of crops that is not in demand daily, so that puts a strain on my ability to provide adequately," he said.

For his commitment to provide for his daughter, Garvey was one of 25 fathers honoured yesterday on Father's Day by the Bureau of Gender Affairs. Nashan Miller, the lead representative for the Special Service Desk for Men at the bureau, told THE STAR that Garvey received an overwhelming number of nominations.

Garvey says he feels honoured to be recognised for his efforts.

"We look at fathers who are inspirational role models and maintain a strong connection to his child, and children in his community. He is both that and one who has made a significant contribution to the development of children in his community," Miller said.

Along with a limited cashflow, Garvey says that it is sometimes difficult to balance work and parental duties.

"As a single parent, you get to learn the importance of time-management. For example, I have to ensure that I make time for Parent Teachers' Association meetings. I also have to juggle other school issues with my farming and maintaining a social life with her," he said. However the two, according to Garvey, share an unbreakable bond.

"She don't talk that much but I know she looks forward to me coming home where I'll get my hug. If she wants to go somewhere and daddy not going, she don't necessarily want to go," he said. He does get support from his mother Olive Davis, who gives Gabrielle a strong woman figure to emulate. But Garvey also tries to be a positive influence on many young lives.

"In the community, I try to mentor the youths. I have at least six or seven younger guys that come to me for help in various capacities. My simple message to fathers out there is to stick with your children. You can never tell how important your presence is in their lives," he said.