Minister Furbert Attends Caricom Special Conference on Disabilities Le

The Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, recently attended a virtual conference hosted by the UWI Centre for Disability Studies and The Office of the Caricom Special Rapporteur on Disability.

The meetings were a special ministerial conference on specific legislation for persons with disabilities in the Caribbean, 2021. The conference theme was ‘securing participation, inclusion and non-discrimination of persons with disabilities through legislation’.

Minister Furbert stated, “Countries from around the Caribbean were represented at the conference which was held online over two days – 27 and 28 July. The primary outcome of the conference was to put in place an agreement for islands within the Caribbean to enact legislation that would protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

“I am pleased to report that Bermuda is on the right track. We are working towards establishing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities being extended to Bermuda. This was identified as a 2020 Throne Speech initiative.”

Minister Furbert concluded, “The conference was well attended and many countries are laying the foundation to correct the discrimination and isolation experienced by persons with disabilities. My ministry is committed to putting in place legislation that will ensure people with disabilities are included in all aspects of our society.”