Dear Editor,

Jamaica has made a step in the right direction with the passing of the national identification system (NIDS) Act. I am pleased to endorse NIDS as it is going to play a vital role in the strengthening of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD).

I would like to take this opportunity to assure Jamaicans living with disabilities that the provisions outlined in NIDS are in keeping with the Disabilities Act that was passed in 2014.

JCPD recently launched a media campaign to increase awareness among Jamaicans about the Disabilities Act, which addresses the need for inclusion and outlines the reasonable arrangements that need to be in place for persons with disabilities.

To this end, the registration of all citizens, particularly those living with disabilities, is encouraged to enable the Government to properly identify and plan for these individuals.

It is imperative that people with disabilities are empowered and feel that they are a part of what is happening in the society and NIDS is now an additional arm to facilitate this process.

Shahine Robinson

Minister of Labour and Social Security