As Saint Lucia joined the global observance of the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities, former Minister for Persons with Disabilities Jeremiah Norbert issued an appeal for greater inclusion, equality, and decisive action to remove the barriers faced by persons with disabilities across the island.
“Today, on International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities, we are reminded of a simple truth, people with disabilities are people first,” Norbert said. “Their dignity, dreams, and potential are no different from anyone else’s, and they deserve a nation that treats them with fairness, respect, and full equality.”
Norbert highlighted the persistent challenges that continue to limit full participation by persons with disabilities in national life, including inadequate accessible infrastructure, gaps in inclusive education, limited equitable employment opportunities, and insufficient social protection systems. “I saw firsthand the barriers that still stand in the way,” he noted. “These are not privileges; they are rights. And they require real political will, targeted social interventions, and economic policies that centre inclusion.”
While acknowledging these challenges, Norbert expressed cautious optimism about ongoing national efforts to address disability issues, particularly the development of Saint Lucia’s National Disability Policy. He urged policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to ensure the policy delivers tangible results. “Our work must continue. I am encouraged that the National Disability Policy is underway, and I urge all stakeholders to ensure it becomes more than a document, but a roadmap that transforms lives and strengthens our democracy,” he said.
Norbert called for unity and sustained commitment to building a more inclusive society. “Let us continue building a Saint Lucia where every citizen, of every ability, can participate, thrive, and be seen,” he said.
International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3, promoting understanding of disability issues and advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities worldwide.
