Opposition slams Gov’t for failing to review Disabilities Act
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesperson for Persons with Disabilities, Denise Daley, is calling on the Government to immediately address its failure to review the Disabilities Act within the legally required timeframe.
Daley emphasised that the Act mandates a review within three years of its implementation to assess its effectiveness, identify gaps, and ensure it adequately protects and promotes the rights of persons with disabilities.
“The Disabilities Act is clear—it must be reviewed by a Joint Select Committee no later than three years after coming into effect. Friday, February 14, 2025, marked that deadline, yet no committee has been established to carry out this critical review.”
“This is not just a legal obligation; it is a matter of fundamental rights. The review process ensures that the legislation remains relevant, responsive, and capable of addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. By failing to act, the Government is neglecting a vulnerable community that depends on this law for protection and inclusion.”
Section 48 of the Disabilities Act explicitly states: “This Act shall be reviewed by a joint select committee of both Houses of Parliament established for that purpose no later than three years after the appointed day.”
During last Tuesday’s sitting of the Lower House, Daley reminded Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr that the Act came into effect of February 14, 2022 with the review set to begin no later than Friday, February 14, 2025.
In his response, Charles Jr acknowledged that the review of the legislation is due and told the House that the process has already started at his ministry.
Daley pointed out in a release on Monday, that while the Government has made several public announcements and media headlines about disability rights, yet it has failed to take this critical step to ensure the law is functioning as intended.
“The law cannot be ignored. The Government must act now to correct this failure and demonstrate that the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities are a priority, not an afterthought, ” she stressed.
