Officials sign regional disability resolution at first Caribbean Disability Conference

The first Caribbean Disability Conference concluded its five-day venture with the signing of the regional disability resolution in Grenada. The event was hosted and managed by the Authentic Caribbean Foundation at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, which took place from 09 October to 13 October.

The inaugural event of the Caribbean Disability Conference was organised along with the collaboration of the Caribbean Development Bank, the Generation Grenada Foundation, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs.

The intention of the conference was to highlight and discuss the issues faced by people with disabilities across the Caribbean. The gathering in Grenada was joined by government officials, policymakers, educators, advocates, and stakeholders involved in the relevant sector.

At the Caribbean Disability Conference, a range of topics related to the subject was discussed. The discussion focused on disability legislation, barriers to inclusion, awareness, and education, followed by the signing of the regional disability resolution.

The gathering was also attended by a delegation from the University of the West Indies led by Professor Floyd Morris from the Mona Campus. The signing was joined by the delegation, which jointly marked the establishment of the first network in the Caribbean dedicated to the needs of people with impairments.

From the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, Dr Kwasi Tonge also marked his presence at the conference with this delegation. Dr Tonge shared a few words on the first Caribbean Disability Conference and highlighted its significance.

Dr Kwasi Tonge mentioned that the agenda of the platform aligns with the global study commissioned by UNICEF. It was said that there is an urgent need for the region to understand that issue and support individuals with disabilities while empowering them to participate in society through dedicated programmes.

Dr Kwasi Tonge said, “The Authentic Caribbean Foundation and involved partners are committed to elevate the conversation about disability in the Caribbean. Our aim is to join the global mission to advocate for the needs and rights of people with disabilities.”

All the participants at the Caribbean Disability Conference got engaged in discussions with a focus on finding solutions for the issues faced by disabled people. The discussion covered their views on the steps that could be taken to promote equality while enhancing the accessibility for such individuals.

It is quoted by experts that around the globe, nearly one billion people live with some kind of disability. The number is around fifteen per cent of the total population living in the world. The initiative taken at the Caribbean Disability Conference is seen as a significant step to support the largest minority on the planet.