Waterhouse fathers honoured

Bagga Park buzzed with joy on Sunday as families turned out in droves for Celebrating Dads - A Father's Day Fest, a dynamic event hosted by the Strong Fathers Foundation.

The celebration, filled with laughter, the aroma of grilled treats, and the sound of live music, paid heartfelt tribute to fathers and father figures across the community.

Beneath sunny skies, attendees were treated to a day of family fun -- from a sizzling cookout and friendly football face-offs to a high-energy concert headlined by international dancehall star Charly Black.

The stage also saw standout performances from Valiant, Jahzi Lee, Kayodi, and others, igniting the crowd with rhythm and vibes.

Adding to the day's significance was the presence of key figures, including Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Phipps, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western Anthony Hylton, businessman Robert White, and Superintendent Damion Manderson of the St Andrew South Police Division.

Their attendance underscored the festival's mission to uplift fathers, while reinforcing the role of community and leadership in shaping strong family structures.

Roxroy McLean, CEO of the Strong Fathers Foundation, expressed pride in the turnout and impact of the day.

"This celebration is about more than just a day - it is about providing hope for fatherless children, while recognising the everyday efforts of fathers who show up, support, and set examples for the next generation," McLean said.

"We at the foundation are proud to create a space like this and to make a difference."

The inaugural event also carried a deeper purpose -- raising funds to support the education of four children whose fathers were recently killed due to violence.

Throughout the day, children played gleefully, while fathers were honoured through games, storytelling, and heartfelt moments of recognition.