Equal rights at a community gathering
At the Portmore Self-Help Disability Organisation on 11 February, ministry official Dione Jennings said that “persons with disabilities have the same fundamental rights as any other person”. She was speaking at the Universal Service Fund’s Special Groups Programme launch, where a community member demonstrated a donated computer. [2]
Education, work and public access
Samuda described protections extending to healthcare, public passenger vehicles, housing and participation in political office. The law’s commencement gave these areas a national legal framework. Jennings also explained that the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities would gain greater authority and become a separate corporate body rather than a ministry department. [1][2]
Council prepares to investigate complaints
On 3 March, interim council director Christine Hendricks reported that the transition had begun. She outlined powers to investigate discrimination complaints, conduct research and develop codes of practice. A board would oversee the council, which would manage its staff and finances; a disability rights tribunal was also planned under the Act. [3]