Overseas Territories celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is promoted by the United Nations and has been celebrated every year on 3 December since 1992. This year’s theme is ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’. The theme is designed to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, increase the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making, raise awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities, and celebrate their achievements of persons with disabilities. Some of the events that happened in the British Overseas Territories are set out here.

Anguilla

In Anguilla, Gender Affairs Anguilla and the Department of Social Development published a video showcasing inspirational stories of five Anguillans with disabilities. In a statement Gender Affairs Anguilla stated that “their journeys remind us of the power of diversity and the importance of creating a world that embraces everyone. Let’s commit to breaking barriers, championing inclusion, and celebrating the leadership of persons with disabilities in shaping a brighter tomorrow.” The video can be seen here:

Bermuda

A gathering of representatives from disability-related organisations was held at City Hall, as a part of a campaign to increase disability registration. Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors said: “The UN International Day for Persons with Disabilities reminds us of the remarkable contributions made by persons with disabilities here in Bermuda and around the world. The government is committed to ensuring consultation and inclusion of diverse voices and experiences within our work. This is a key reason for creating a Disability Advisory Council and was embodied in creating the National Plan for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. When identifying needs and solutions for challenges facing persons with disabilities, the international rallying cry of disability activists globally must come to mind and be respected, that is: “Nothing about us without us”. This means that persons with disabilities must be included in decisions that impact their lives. Our recent ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities not only demonstrates our commitment to ensuring rights are upheld but is a calling to commit to further action for a more inclusive island.”

Cayman Islands

In the Cayman Islands the Governor, Jane Owen, hosted a round table with Inclusion Cayman to discuss their work to provide disability and inclusion training for employers, supporting access to school placements, and ensuring that disabled individuals and their families can participate fully in daily life. “These are privileges that many of us take for granted” said the Governor who went on the thank “those across our government, schools and workplaces also supporting this vital work on disability inclusion, and additionally to the generous fundraisers and donors that make this possible.

Cayman Islands Governor Jane Owen with Inclusion Cayman

Gibraltar

Disability NGOs and Government Departments set up stalls in Casemates Square and the international disability flag was flown at the Frontier, St Bernard’s Hospital and at City Hall. Minister for Equality Christian Santos announced in Parliament that the first strand of the National Disability Strategy, the internal Government strand, had been completed and work on the private sector strand will begin in January 2025. A Youth Symposium on Disabilities also recently took place where members of a panel were given a platform to break down barriers that perpetuate misconceptions about the capabilities and contributions of individuals with disabilities.

Montserrat

In Montserrat the Government announced the final consultation meeting on its new National Disability Policy, produced in consultation with Montserrat Association for Persons with Disabilities. MAPD President Harjinder Jutle said a clear policy framework will a major step forward for the island. To date, “progress on inclusion has been dependent on the goodwill of individual civil servants and contractors, or the requirements of funders, and there is still a lot of work needed around education and employment.” Earlier this year Bermuda became the first UK overseas territory to have the UN Convention on Disability Rights extended to it. “It was an inspirational moment, and hopefully Montserrat is now on the same path,” Jutle said. “In the mean time we should take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities.”