THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE NATIONAL Advisory Board to the Government on matters related to the disabled community condemns the brutal rape of a 24-year-old young adult who has moderate mental retardation (the victim functions at the level of a 10-year-old).
The members of the Advisory Board along with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabi-lities work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of all persons with disabilities are protected.
The Advisory Board has already consulted with the Ministers of Security, Health, Labour and Social Security and the Attorney-General and the Prime Minister.
All have assured us that their respective ministries will do their part to ensure that the rights of the victim are not trampled, further that the system will act promptly and professionally on all information provided by the victim and her family.
I have spoken with the family, in particular with the primary caregiver resident in Jamaica and have communicated the commitment of the relevant agencies to treat this matter with the priority it requires. I have given my commitment to the family to monitor carefully.
The National Advisory Board wishes to bring to the public's attention the realities which the disabled in our society face. While this case has already received national attention there are other 'active' cases in which we are struggling to ensure justice for our victims. We ask that the public be vigilant, protective and supportive of those in our society who are more vulnerable.
I am, etc..
MAUREEN F. WEBBER
Chairperson
National Advisory Board for Persons with Disability
