Recommendations for improved access to justice for persons with disabilities and a directory of available services for persons with disabilities are the key outputs being finalized from a national Social Justice Disability Conference convened at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in November 2024. 

Entitled “Equity in Action: Advancing Justice for Persons with Disabilities, the conference was convened by the UWI, through its School of Graduate Studies & Research (SGSR) and the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social & Economic Studies (SALISES) in collaboration with the Social Justice (SO-JUST) Project.  

The conference was addressed by the Hon Delroy Chuck, QC, MP, Minister of Justice, The Honourable Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, The Honourable Justice Bryan Sykes, O.J., CD, Chief Justice of Jamaica, His Excellency, Mr. Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Shalimar Ali-Hack, Director of Public Prosecutions, Guyana, Brigadier Radgh Mason, Commissioner of Corrections, Professor Floyd Morris, CARICOM Special Rapporteur on Disability, Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Dr. Christine Hendricks, Executive Director, Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities among other featured speakers.  

Service providers were provided with valuable insights to support persons with disabilities across Jamaica and a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and activists, shared ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions in the field. The event fostered dialogue, collaboration, and networking among persons with disabilities and justice advocates to advance social justice initiatives and promote a more inclusive, just and equitable society for persons with disabilities in Jamaica.  

Pro Vice - Chancellor, Graduate Studies and Research, Professor Aldrie Henry said “this public engagement with persons with disabilities and key stakeholders helps the UWI to fulfil its vision to advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation for the positive transformation of the Caribbean. We are very proud of our research, teaching and learning with persons with disabilities and we continue to be strong advocates for a more inclusive society for all, especially for persons with disabilities.”

Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident Representative remarked “Underserved and vulnerable groups require our support to secure their development aspirations and potential. As we strengthen our commitment to leaving no one behind we lift all boats and ensure our agenda 2030 ideals are achieved. UNDP's commitment to the social resilience and inclusion of underserved and vulnerable groups is driven by these important considerations. For this reason, we are honoured to support this Social Justice Conference which will reinforce our international and local commitments to persons with disabilities and highlight persistent gaps and actionable solutions required help them gain equal access to critical services and opportunities.”

The SO-JUST Project is a seven-year social justice reform initiative funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica and civil society partners.