Senator Andwele Boyce, National Disability Advocate in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, is calling on all event producers and promoters to ensure that accessibility and accommodations for people with disabilities are central to the planning of all remaining Crop Over events and the upcoming CARIFESTA XV celebrations.
As Crop Over festivities intensify, Senator Boyce reminded organisers that people with disabilities were citizens and cultural contributors who must be able to participate fully in the nation’s celebrations.
“There is still a prevailing notion that persons with disabilities should go to school if they can, work if they’re able, go to church if they’re compelled, and visit the doctor if they must but that fun, festivity, recreation, sport and culture are not for them,” he said.
“This thinking reflects outdated attitudes and systemic barriers that we must now leave behind. As we build an inclusive Barbados, it must end. Persons with disabilities have every right to joy, to celebration and to be part of national life not just in function, but in fullness.”
The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities Bill makes clear legal commitments: public and private sports and cultural facilities must be accessible to persons with disabilities and there must be improvement of existing facilities and equipment to allow for full participation in sports, recreational and cultural life.
“These are not aspirational statements – they are binding obligations. All event policies must be reviewed with accessibility in mind,” the senator emphasised.
“Convenience must never come at the cost of inclusion. Rules that prohibit the use of chairs or seating often for aesthetic or crowd control reasons may unintentionally exclude persons with disabilities who cannot stand for long periods.
“Accessibility also includes clear signage, available ramps and accessible conveniences.”
Senator Boyce also issued a specific call to the producers of CARIFESTA XV, which Barbados is set to host next month, to set a regional example by making accessibility and accommodations a top priority.
“It is my hope that, as we approach CARIFESTA, consideration has been given and accommodations made to allow persons with disabilities to enjoy the events and productions.
“I am seeing too many instances where ramps are not properly constructed, staff are not properly trained
and some of the accessibility that we have come to expect is now being left out.
“The Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, the national disability advocates remain available to provide guidance and collaborate with producers, promoters and stakeholders who are committed to ensuring that no Barbadian is left out of the country’s cultural and social life,” he said. (PR/SG)
