Minister Charles Pursuing Global Partnerships to Strengthen Disability Accessibility in Jamaica
By: , December 19, 2025
Photo: Dave Reid
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (centre), engages in discussion with beneficiary, Darnett Denton (seated), during Tuesday’s (December 16) Assistive Aid Grant and Margaret Moody Scholarship Handover Ceremony at the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) in Kingston. Joining them are Acting Executive Director, JCPD, Desreen Boothe (left), and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dione Jennings.
Photo: Dave Reid
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., assists beneficiary, Blondie Edwards, by manoeuvering her wheelchair during Tuesday’s (December 16) Assistive Aid Grant and Margaret Moody Scholarship Handover Ceremony at the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) in Kingston.The Full Story
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says he is pursuing opportunities for global partnerships to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for persons with disabilities in Jamaica.
Speaking with JIS News following Tuesday’s (December 16) Assistive Aid Grant and Margaret Moody Scholarship handover ceremony at the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) office in Kingston, Minister Charles revealed that discussions are under way with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on a programme he has titled ‘Innovation for Inclusivity’.
The initiative seeks to identify cost-effective, technology-driven solutions from around the world, such as collapsible wheelchairs that can be easily transported in taxis or other vehicles, to foster a more accessible environment for persons with disabilities.
“We can [also] look across the world and other jurisdictions where they have very affordable, cost-effective technology. That will be very useful in creating that environment that I’m speaking about, [in terms] of accessibility and inclusivity being the norm,” Mr. Charles stated, noting that further details on the programme will be announced next year.
He emphasised that such initiatives form part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to equity and accessibility, ensuring that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society and contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s national development.