Head of JCPD Welcomes Ratification of Marrakesh Treaty

Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks, has expressed optimism as Jamaica officially ratifies the Marrakesh Treaty.

Jamaica’s accession to the Treaty came into effect on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, and signifies a significant leap forward in the nation’s commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

“Today is a day that we’ve longed for, for a very long time,” Dr. Hendricks said, as she participated in a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, at the agency’s Head Office in Kingston.

She recounted those early stakeholder meetings with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) and the passionate advocacy from individuals like Executive Director of the Jamaica Society for the Blind, Conrad Harris.

“He was very adamant that Jamaica needs to sign and ratify the Marrakesh Treaty and so, to see this day is really heartening,” Dr. Hendricks said.

The Marrakesh Treaty, which facilitates access to published works for persons who are print-disabled, including those with visual impairments, is closely tied to the realisation of the Disabilities Act in Jamaica.

Dr. Hendricks emphasised that this Treaty is not just a legal document but a tangible manifestation of the Act’s purpose, directly impacting the lives of those with disabilities.

“As we prepared the Disabilities Act, many people wondered how it would affect their lives. This Treaty is a clear example of how the Act is coming to life. It empowers individuals with disabilities by ensuring they have the same opportunities to access information as anyone else,” she said.

The Executive Director also highlighted the Treaty’s broader implications, noting that it extends beyond the visually impaired to include persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.

“The fact that the Copyright Act extends to persons with not only visual impairments but persons who are deaf and hard of hearing is very exciting, because it (the Treaty) will allow persons, regardless of their disability, to participate fully in social, cultural, and educational activities,” Dr. Hendricks pointed out.

She further noted that the Treaty’s ratification marks a turning point for students with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired, as these students often face significant challenges in accessing educational materials.

“Research shows that the largest community entering higher education includes persons who are blind and visually impaired. They frequently must rely on others to read for them or wait for materials to be produced in audio format. Now, with the Marrakesh Treaty in place, they will have greater independence and access to a wider range of books and learning resources,” Dr. Hendricks said.

“This achievement is not just about education, it’s about allowing persons with disabilities to be independent, to maximise their potential, and to reach for the stars, if they so desire. The barriers are coming down, and I am very, very happy about that,” she said.

Reflecting on a recent event where 100 buses were handed over to the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited, 10 of which were specifically designed to accommodate persons with disabilities, she expressed her hope for a future where all public transportation is accessible to everyone.