Derron Jarrett a model father in troubled Norwood

While it might be true that any man can be a father, not everyone can raise a child in a volatile community like Norwood, St James, and stand his ground and survive, guiding his offspring to be model citizens.

Derron ‘Brown Man’ Jarrett is one such man. He has dedicated his life to ensuring that his children would not be victims of their environment, but remain focused and excel in their fields of choice.

Jarrett was four years old when his mother, a single parent, moved to Norwood with her seven children.

“We were the second set of settlers, as squatters, to live in Norwood,” he said proudly. “When we came here, it was only one Rastaman with a one-room house across the road.”

Except for break-ins, crime was non-existent in Norwood back then.

“My mother has always been a caring, hands-on parent and she treated us equally, but I never realised the level of commitment required until I became a parent,” he shared with The Sunday Gleaner.

Jarrett’s journey as a parent started at the age of 25. Six weeks after his child’s mother gave birth, she carried the child to him and left.

“I was hoping that we would raise our child together, but something else was going on that I was not aware of,” he said. “I enjoy being a father. I used to practise with my sister’s children and as the younger brother, I had to be there for them, so I was ready.”

The birth of his son forced Jarrett, a trained technician, to do a rethink, as business was slow.

“I tried the taxi business, but they stole the car shortly after I started,” he said, leading to him starting his laundry business with one machine.

Jarrett said he gives his children the freedom to express themselves, but with limitations.

“I don’t raise them like prisoners, but I ensure that they have the resources to excel in their academics,” he said.

“If they want to go outside, they ask permission to do so. They are not allowed to be carefree. Their focus is to make the most of the opportunities academically and my job is to keep them focused, no matter what is happening in the community.”

FATHER TO MANY

Jarrett is considered a father to many, especially his son’s schoolmates, who had to produce their schoolwork to him before they were allowed to play.

He is held in high regard by members of the community for his efforts to forge peace, as over the years, Norwood became a hotbed for criminal activities, with frequent flare-ups of violence. He was instrumental in the formation of the Norwood football, netball and cricket teams.

Jarrett’s firstborn, Lincoln, an IT specialist, is now living in the United States.

Jarrett’s marriage to Valda has produced three girls – Kedeisha, who graduated from Mount Alvernia High School, attaining passes in 10 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects; Kayanna is now in upper sixth form and has already attained 14 passes; and Dorraine, 11 years old, attends Chetwood Primary School.

“This is my job as a father to encourage them to make the most of their potential, to prepare them for the future,” Jarrett said. “It is a different strategy with the girls, but our Christian faith has played a great role and laid the foundation for their success so far.”

Jarrett wants to see more fathers stand up to their responsibility, especially in the informal communities.

“My advice to fathers is that they should pay more attention to their children. Do not think that your financial support alone can do it; they need your presence around them to help guide them and offer a sense of security.”

mark.titus@gleanerjm.com