Fight for equality

More still needs to be done to address the problem of unemployment of persons with disabilities in this island.

This is according to Denis de Peiza, General Secretary of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), who expressed that the Association remains committed to resolving this challenge.

His comments came as he gave an address at the opening ceremony of the Barbados Council for the Disabled’s (BCD) annual general meeting, which took place at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa yesterday morning.

“I take this opportunity to remind you that the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, as a social partner, is strongly committed to working with government agencies and local non-governmental organisations in promoting the advancement and empowerment of workers with disabilities,” he said.

He went on to reveal that after a year-long Employment of Workers with Disabilities Project, he expected that as a result of an education and awareness campaign there would be a greater acceptance, engagement and empowerment of all persons with disabilities. Regrettably, he said the reality is less than desirable, and noted that more needed to be done to solve this problem.

The General Secretary recalled the National Employment Policy of Barbados and highlighted that the policy’s goal, as set out in the Mission Statement, was to “create an enabling environment that is conducive to the empowerment of the labour force through employment promotion and the provision of decent working opportunities”.

De Peiza added that Government needed to address inequalities through the provision of decent work opportunities for all persons, particularly taking into account the needs of vulnerable categories of persons with disabilities.

He stated that there should be more promotion of the employment policy, which seeks to provide jobs for all Barbadians who are available and desirable for work, regardless of means or physical ability. Additionally, he believed that private sector businesses and government ministries should hire at least one disabled person over the next three to five years.

The General Secretary also believes that if these objectives were upheld, then Barbados would be well on its way towards successfully tackling the growing problem of unemployment facing persons with disabilities. (CLF)