National Disabilities Legislation this Fiscal Year – PM

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, has announced that the administration will be moving to enact the National Disabilities Act, during the current legislative year.

Making her contribution in the 2012/13 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (June 5), Mrs. Simpson Miller said the move forms part of efforts to put sustainable policies in place, which would redound to the benefit and improvement of “another vulnerable group” within the society.  

(Related Story: [HIGHLIGHTS] PM 2012/2013 Budget Debate Presentation)

The Prime Minister also gave the administration’s undertaking to empower persons with disabilities, through education. “As part of this commitment, we will be providing persons with disabilities, who are pursuing education, with assistance in the area of modern technology to assist with their education,” she said.

Another priority area of focus for the administration, this year, Mrs. Simpson Miller told the House, will be the provision of jobs for the unemployed, including persons with disabilities.

“I have already given instructions to the Ministries implementing the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) to ensure that persons with disabilities are employed in the project,” she informed.

The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction with National Youth Service's (NYS) inclusion of persons with disabilities in the national summer employment programme, and other activities undertaken.

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter