KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr has voiced concern following the Jamaica Debates Commission’s (JDC) decision to exclude Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) interpreter Antoinette “Toni” Aikens from the first national election debate on Saturday.

Aikens, who boasts decades of interpreting experience, reportedly was informed she could only “feed signs” in the background or would outright be excluded from the broadcast.

She claimed in a series of videos on her Instagram story that this was a directive that she was cautioned against by legal advisors due to its accessibility implications.

Charles Jr emphasised that such an omission is unacceptable and runs counter to the fundamental principles of inclusive democracy.

“The absence of Toni Aikens, a veteran sign language interpreter and trusted figure for the deaf community, is not just regrettable; it’s disappointing,” said Charles Jr. “Politics must never stand in the way of inclusivity, especially when it involves the right of persons with disabilities for them to participate fully in national discourse.”

READ: Veteran interpreter claims she is being blacklisted by Jamaica Debates Commission

He continued, “The absence of clear, accessible communication during a defining democratic moment disenfranchises deaf and hearing-impaired Jamaicans. As we advance our support for the special needs community, it is essential that communication is clear and accessible to all, ensuring full inclusion in every aspect of national life.”

JDC has reportedly pledged to rectify this in future debates.

“If we are to be serious about prioritising inclusivity, the integration of all groups must be ensured and in the next debate, this should be mandatory. it is a constitutional and human-rights imperative,” he stated.

He called on the government, electoral bodies and all political stakeholders to prioritise accessibility.