The People’s National Party (PNP) says it welcomes the coming into effect of the long-overdue Disabilities Act, 2014.

The Disabilities Act of 2014 was passed by a PNP-led administration in 2015, to ensure that the rights of individuals living with disabilities are protected and promoted.

In a statement on Tuesday (February 15), the Opposition noted that the JLP-led government “failed to effectuate this bill for almost seven years, to the disadvantage of some 450,000 Jamaicans living with disabilities”.

Senator Lambert Brown, Opposition Spokesperson on Labour and the Public Service, is calling on the Government to ensure that the country’s infrastructure and resources are designed to support the education, employment, transportation and overall development of persons living with disabilities (PWDs).

“If we are serious about creating a hospitable environment for our brothers and sisters living with disabilities, the new Council for Persons with Disabilities should be adequately resourced so that it is able to respond to the needs of the community”, said Senator Brown.

The Opposition is also petitioning the Holness-led government to implement an ongoing public education programme geared towards the smooth assimilation of PWDs into society.

According to the Opposition, it believes that strict enforcement of the Disabilities Act will result in greater inclusivity and better opportunities for persons living with disabilities.

“We look forward to a robust implementation plan to accompany the Act, with the attendant public education programme to educate the public at large on the critical components of the Act. It is not only important for PWDs to be aware of the terms of the Act, but for society in general to be au fait and compliant” said Senator Brown.

Senator Brown is recommending that persons with disabilities who are currently employed at the current Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) be given special consideration for incorporation within the new disability council.

The senator is calling on all Jamaicans to play their part in ensuring PWDS are treated equitably and feel secure and welcomed in society.

“I encourage employers, businesses, educational institutions etc., to implement policies that prevent discrimination against persons living with disabilities,” Brown contended.