Two government lawmakers have made a strong call for a more inclusive Barbados, advocating a series of reforms designed to empower persons with disabilities, including affirmative action in the workplace.
Addressing a resolution on a national policy aimed at improving the lives of the disabled, St James North MP Edmund Hinkson and Christ Church East Central MP Ryan Straughn underscored the pressing need for reform across employment, education, healthcare, justice, and infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for disabled persons and create an inclusive society with equal access and opportunity for all.
Hinkson, who chaired the Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities, praised the government’s ongoing commitment to the disabled community. He referred to the new 2023–2030 policy document as a comprehensive roadmap for achieving inclusivity in Barbados. This framework, he explained, outlines both immediate and long-term goals to remove barriers and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“Barbados must be a place that respects and values all its citizens,” Hinkson declared. “This means addressing and removing the obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from living independently and fully participating in our society.”
Straughn reinforced Hinkson’s message, noting that the government initially looked at tax interventions to assist disabled persons but soon recognised that a more holistic approach was needed.
“Protecting the rights of disabled individuals and ensuring they can exercise those rights directly is essential,” he explained. “The community must be empowered to live independently and not solely depend on family or caregivers.”
Employment, Hinkson argued, is a crucial area requiring reform. He shared the stark statistic that only about 10 per cent of adults with disabilities are employed in Barbados. To address this, he advocated for affirmative action policies: “If two candidates are equally qualified and one has a disability, that person should get the job. This is not charity; it’s fairness and giving everyone a chance to contribute to our economy.”
Hinkson urged the private sector to play a proactive role, emphasising that economic empowerment is fundamental to personal independence and self-worth.
Straughn pointed to the specific financial challenges that disabled persons face, particularly within the banking sector. “Blind individuals, for instance, are asked to bring a relative to assist with transactions, which denies them financial independence and privacy,” he said, underscoring the need for banking reforms to enable disabled individuals to manage their finances independently.
Education reform also featured prominently in both MPs’ remarks. Hinkson advocated for Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) to provide tailored learning experiences for students with disabilities, ensuring lifelong learning opportunities. “Our education system must adapt to serve all students, not just those who fit the traditional mould,” he said, highlighting the right of disabled children to reach their full potential.
Straughn proposed that Barbados formally recognise sign language, with Hinkson suggesting its inclusion as a subject in the CXC curriculum.
“Sign language should be a part of our education system to promote communication inclusivity,” Hinkson argued, noting that the entire community benefits when everyone can understand and communicate with one another.
Both MPs stressed the need for immediate improvements in physical accessibility to public spaces, sidewalks, and transport. Hinkson urged the retrofitting of buildings and increasing wheelchair-accessible transportation options: “Our buildings and public spaces must be accessible to everyone. People with disabilities should navigate Barbados as easily as anyone else.”
Straughn also announced a recent increase in fines for illegal parking in disabled spaces, from $500 to $5 000.
“This administration takes this seriously,” he said. “Access to designated spaces is not optional; it’s a right, and we’ll enforce it.”
In addition to policy reforms, both MPs urged Barbadians to embrace a culture of respect and empathy towards persons with disabilities. (RG)
