THE EDITOR, Madam:
THANKS TO the Hon. Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Miss Monica Bartley. The former Minister of Labour Social Security and Sports was the driving force for this policy since 1993 and Miss Monica Bartley was like the ever reliable engine.
These two ladies have given Jamaica National Policy on Disabilities not because they are visionaries but because they also care. Miss Bartley, a Director of STATIN, led a technical team of influential disabled and non-disabled persons through these seven years, providing all the answers, doing all the corrections and amendments, making lengthy presentations at forums, seminars and workshops.
The National Policy on Disabilities, I believe, is not cast in concrete, thus it should be flexible, addressing the needs or shortcomings for persons with disabilities in this beloved country of ours.
The policy, I hope, will not be 'an on the shelf policy'. The country has waited very long for it, hence it is action time.
The people of Jamaica and particularly the disabled community congratulate the many persons who have worked hard to develop the policy.
I am, etc.,
LESLIE BAXTER
Frankfield P.O.
Clarendon
