KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dubbed ‘Access Jamaica’, the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be strengthened with the procurement of two mobile units to serve rural communities.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr made the announcement on Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

“The Early Stimulation Programme stands as a vital pillar of our social protection framework, offering a comprehensive array of therapeutic services to young children from birth to six years old who are living with developmental disabilities,” the minister said.

He noted that at present, the programme provides early intervention support to over 3,600 children across the island, working in partnership with private agencies, public early childhood institutions, and faith-based organisations.

Charles Jr said in response to the growing demand for early intervention services, the ministry is launching Access Jamaica, a bold expansion of the ESP, that will deploy two additional mobile therapy units to bring care directly to children with disabilities in deep rural communities.

The minister told the House that referrals to the ESP have surged by 33 per cent since 2023, stretching the capacity of the assessment and intervention centre.

“Through the Access Jamaica initiative, full clinical teams—including behaviour therapists, physiotherapists, early interventionists, and other specialists—will be placed on the road, beginning in the parishes of Trelawny, Westmoreland, and St Mary,” said Charles Jr.

He said the goal was to reduce rural wait times by 40 per cent and reach an additional 1,000 children in the first year.

“No child should be left behind because of where they live. With Access Jamaica, we are delivering hope, help, and high-quality interventions on the road,” the minister remarked.

He described the ESP as a national investment in the dignity and potential of our youngest citizens, stating that, “In every child supported, every parent trained, and every life transformed, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, resilience, and opportunity for all”.