Dear Editor,

It is unbelievable that in post-modern Jamaica people with disabilities are still being treated with disdain and their dignity trampled. I say this in light of a story in the Sunday Observer of April 15 about the appalling and inhumane treatment of Sarah Newland-Martin, the head of the YMCA at the Norman Manley International Airport.

Whereas it is expected that the security forces must carry out their duties to protect and secure this country, one thing that does not seem to be a major focus of some members is their duty to serve all the people of Jamaica and treat each person with respect and care.

What happened is blatantly scandalous and incredibly reprehensible. We must not tolerate such treatment of persons with disabilities in our civilised society. We should not repeat the sordid historical episodes of intolerance with difference and impatience with those who are differently abled.

This brings me to the issue of the need for societal education on disability issues and stakeholder intervention with a view to the preservation of the inherent dignity, humanity and rights of people with disabilities. Many ignorant and bigoted people in our society need to undergo a change in their attitude and behaviour relative to persons with impairments of whatever kind. To use a theological concept, they need to repent for the way they have treated our disabled brothers and sisters.

This can come about through purposeful and sustained educational efforts in the media and other means with the aim of debunking the disabling myths that run deep in the soul and culture of our county about people with impairments and fostering a social atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance and participation. Many institutions of higher education in Jamaica, such as the University of the West Indies and the Jamaica Theological Seminary, have been running courses in disability studies in an effort to sensitise their students about the value of human diversity and the beauty of difference.

With respect to national stakeholder involvement in the promotion and maintenance of the dignity and inherent humanity of people with impairments, something tangible and long lasting must emerge from this investigation that Transport Minister Dr Omar Davies has ordered into the preposterous mistreatment of Mrs Newland-Martin. I call on the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities to apply pressure on the minister of labour and social security and the Government in general regarding the passing of the National Disability Act that has been in the making for many years. The office and title of a disability advocate should be established and included in the Act.

Furthermore, the disability advocacy groups in Jamaica, such as the Combined Disabilities Association, should continue to lobby the Government to implement the Persons with Disabilities Sector Plan of Vision 2030 Jamaica. Indeed, when we become a society of diversity and tolerance with respect to people who are otherwise abled, we would have realised the vision statement for persons with disabilities for Vision 2030 Jamaica.

It says that we envision “A society that is inclusive, accessible, provides opportunities for all and recognises the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of persons with disabilities in the process of nation building”. Indeed, if this vision statement were realised in concrete ways, it would contribute to making Jamaica the preferred place to live, work and raise children.

Rev Earlmont Williams

earlmontwilliams@gmail.com