As prepared for delivery

Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure for me to be able to speak to you today.

Today, we bless this elevator that improves access to Government Headquarters for the differently abled and those with special needs and we mark another step towards making St. Kitts and Nevis a better place to live for all our people. 

With this elevator, you could not wish for a better metaphor to show how this Team Unity administration is lifting the importance of inclusion and accessibility by those who are differently abled and have special needs right into the heart of Government.

To some, an elevator may seem like a small step but the ability to more easily interact with the Government that serves us all is a profound one.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

A few short months ago, I was representing our twin island Federation in New York at the United Nations General Assembly.

It gave me great pride to represent our Federation in the highest diplomatic forum in the world.  But I was especially proud to be there for one very important reason.  For it was there that I signed and acceded to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

According to the United Nations it is “the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century,” which “adopts a broad categorization of persons with disabilities and reaffirms that all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

That Convention is our guiding star on this very important journey of inclusion.

When we think ahead to what more we want to achieve for the differently abled, we will always come back to this Convention.

Achievements for the differently abled and those with special needs

Your Team Unity administration is dedicated to improving the lives of the differently abled.

We have taken a variety of measures that will make a positive difference – measures that improve lives and create more opportunities.

We have seen progress with the new East Line Bus Terminal having wheelchair ramps.  The same can be said for the refurbished Basseterre Ferry Terminal and our Inland Revenue Department building on the Bay Road.

As part of the upgrade of the Island Main Road, we have ensured wheelchair accessible sidewalks have been included. The inclusion of wheelchair access on sidewalks is also seen with the work at the Frigate Bay Strip.

We also have plans to establish for the first time in St. Kitts and Nevis a centre for autism, and I look forward to sharing further details on that in the future.  In the Ministry of Social Development, there is now a dedicated desk officer working on these issues.

Though we are pleased with these endeavours, we understand there is still more to do.   But we cannot risk this progress and go back to the past.

Stakeholders and The Private Sector 

Though we see these improvements, we understand that Government cannot solve every problem simply on its own.  That is why we are inviting those in the Private Sector, the charity sector and other stakeholders to join us.  Join us in making those changes that improve lives and increase opportunities – whether it is supermarkets and stores offering parking for the differently abled or a business improving its facilities so more differently abled people feel confident to pursue employment opportunities with that company.

These are all steps that as a Government we will welcome, but it is also up to society as a whole to take up its responsibility and show the way.

Those in the Private Sector and other stakeholders should see steps they take to improve accessibility and their facilities as a badge of honour and one that the wider community would surely welcome and praise.

Nation building and improving lives 

Improving conditions and facilities for the differently abled is not just the right thing to do for moral reasons.  It is not just because people feel that it is the right thing to do.

Improving lives in this way is an investment in our future and a part of nation building.

A few months ago, we celebrated our thirty sixth year of independence.  I know full well that as we look to the next thirty-six years, we need every Kittitian and Nevisian able to develop to their full potential – to see an opportunity and not have a barrier in their way that could easily be removed by government or other stakeholders.

We must take full advantage of all the talent available to us.

We cannot afford to make excuses in this area.

I know that Team Unity will continue to focus on ensuring there are opportunities not just for the differently abled but for all of us – young and old, male and female, academic or vocational.

Wherever your path takes you, as a Federation we can only move forward together if you can fulfil your hopes and dreams.

Conclusion

We are proud of our work but realise there is still more to do.

We will not grow complacent.  Neither will we go backwards; I can assure you of that.

The progress I have described today will help take St. Kitts and Nevis to a place that puts opportunity and dignity in the lives of our differently abled and elderly people.

And as that continues, it means we will see a stronger, safer, more prosperous St. Kitts and Nevis for many years to come.

May God bless the lift and those who use it.  We put our safety in God’s hands.

Thank you and Merry Christmas.