Gov’t Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing Disability Inclusion

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has reaffirmed the Government’s firm commitment to advancing disability inclusion.

He noted that accessibility and equal participation must remain central to Jamaica’s national development agenda.

The Minister was addressing a public forum at the Kingston Summit business complex on Wednesday (December 3), to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2025, observed under the theme ‘Rebuilding an Accessible Jamaica for All’.

Mr. Charles said the observance provides an important opportunity to reaffirm Jamaica’s commitment to building an environment where persons with disabilities can fully contribute to national progress.

“I want to make it very clear that the days of discussing persons with disabilities being some kind of side issue should be behind us. All Jamaicans are required to be at full capacity, by removing barriers for us to appreciate and achieve national development,” he emphasised.

Mr. Charles noted that the recent impact of Hurricane Melissa has underscored the urgent need to strengthen support for vulnerable groups.

“Just step back and imagine the difficulties that they are facing. This is an opportunity for us, as a nation, to embrace our… collective potential and make accessibility and inclusion more than catchphrases,” he added.

Minister Charles encouraged continued partnership and advocacy for the disability community, noting that ongoing dialogue is helping to accelerate improvements across society.

For her part, Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks, emphasised that Jamaica’s reconstruction efforts present a vital opportunity to embed accessibility into national development.

“This moment must be the turning point where universal design becomes our standard, not an afterthought. That is why, today, we will focus on simplifying universal design, helping Jamaicans, as a society, to understand what it means, why it matters and how we can finally achieve success for all,” she said.

Meanwhile, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Professor Floyd Morris, underscored that accessibility is a fundamental human right enshrined in Jamaica’s Disabilities Act, and the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

International Day for Persons with Disabilities is observed each year on December 3 to promote awareness, inclusion and equal participation of persons with disabilities in every area of society.