Ministry Signs Joint Declaration of Intent to Strengthen Disability Inclusion

The Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), continues to strengthen disability inclusion with the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent with the United Nations Development System in Jamaica and the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD).

The signing, which took place at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Conference Room in Kingston, recently, comes in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and underscores

Jamaica’s commitment to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into disaster recovery and national development efforts.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., in his remarks, highlighted the urgency of addressing the vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities.

He noted that the partnership represents a move from policy to tangible action, with five critical areas of focus – strengthening the institutional capacity of the JCPD; reinforcing policy implementation and enforcement, including disaster preparedness; generating accurate disability-disaggregated data; advancing universal design and accessibility; and transforming mindsets through public awareness campaigns.

“This signing could not be more timely. It signals to Jamaica, loudly, clearly, and with profound hope, that we will not turn away from these realities,” Minister Charles Jr. said.

“Instead, we are confronting them with purpose, partnership, and decisive action. Disability is not a limitation; it is a natural part of human diversity. When we embrace that reality, we build a stronger nation,” he continued.

Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dennis Zulu, in welcoming the partnership, said it aligns with global mandates, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“Inclusive development is not optional; it is essential. This Declaration strengthens our collective ability to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate, contribute, and thrive, especially as Jamaica rebuilds stronger, fairer, and more inclusive communities,” he said.

For her part, Executive Director of the JCPD, Dr. Christine Hendricks, expressed gratitude for the formalised support and issued a call to action for the disability community and advocates.

“The time is now to use this opportunity to be bolder, louder, and more deliberate in the implementation and enforcement of the Disabilities Act,” she said.

Dr. Hendricks noted that the partnership will be key to strengthening the JCPD’s ability to monitor and enforce the Act effectively, turning legal commitments into lived realities for hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans.

The Joint Declaration is aligned with Vision 2030 Jamaica, the Disabilities Act, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It ensures that children, young people, adults, and older persons with disabilities have equitable access to opportunities and the ability to age with dignity, safety, and support.

This landmark partnership signals Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to building a society where inclusion is not only a principle, but a lived reality, particularly in times of national recovery and development.