Unrevised Hansard- 15th Sitting (2017-2021)

Papers TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY THURSSDAY, MAY 24, 2018

The House met at 1.31 p.m.

PRAYERS [MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER in the Chair] MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Secretary of Finance and the

Economy.

PAPERS LAID

(i)

Tobago House of Assembly Monthly Budget Report as at the end of April, 2018. [Secretary of Finance and the Economy (Hon. Joel Jack)].

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Question No. 46 by the Minority

Leader.

MONTHLY PAID WORKERS EMPLOYED WITHIN THE TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY (Total Contracted Workers and Public Servants)

2 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

46.

MR. W. DUKE asked the Chief Secretary and Secretary of

Education, Innovation and Energy the following question: “Provide the total number of monthly paid workers within the Tobago House of Assembly, identifying how many are employed via temporarily (contract workers) compared to those who have been appointed permanently via the Public Service Commission (Public Servants)”.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Chief Secretary and Secretary of

Education, Innovation and Energy.

HONOURABLE

CHIEF SECRETARY AND SECRETARY OF

EDUCATION, INNOVATION AND ENERGY [Hon. K. Charles]: Thank you Madam Presiding Officer.

In respect of Monthly Paid Employees who are employed on Contracts according to the question, the figure stands at one thousand, seven hundred and thirty-nine (1,739); and in respect to those appointed by way of the Public Service Commission, the numbers stand at one thousand, eight hundred and ninety (1,890).

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Question No. 51 by the Minority

Leader.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN AIR FORCE PLANES AND BLACK HAWK HELICOPERS IN TOBAGO (Purpose of visits)

3 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

51.

MR. W. DUKE asked the Chief Secretary and Secretary of

Education, Innovation and Energy the following question: “Recently, there were United States of America Air Force Planes and Black Hawk Helicopters landing in Tobago (a)

What was the purpose of those visits?

(b)

How will those visits benefit Tobago?

(c)

Was there any connection between the presence of those USA air vessels and the Russian Intelligence-gathering (spy) vessel, the Viktor Leonov presence in Trinidad and Tobago’s waters in 2018?”

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Chief Secretary and Secretary of

Education, Innovation and Energy.

HON. CHIEF SECRETARY: Thank you Madam Presiding Officer.

Exercise Fuse Response, is an annual routine exercise that has been sponsored by the United States Government via the United States Southern Command since 2012. Similar exercises have been hosted over the years in the region, by countries such as:  Guyana;  Belize;  Honduras; and  Guatemala.

4 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

This exercise was been funded by the United States Government, with minimal cost to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The Trinidad and Tobago Government was certainly appreciative of this show of partnership by the United States Government, considering our countries current economic constraints.

Exercise Fuse Response, is a “Crisis Response Training Exercise”, that is designed to enhance the ability of both the Governments of Trinidad and Tobago and the United States to plan; coordinate; and rapidly respond to a crisis with regional security implications. It was therefore a learning opportunity for both countries.

The exercise additionally was to design to build capacity and strengthen the crisis response capabilities and readiness of both countries National Security Agencies. It was also an opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago to exercise a whole of government response to a crisis; test our emergency response plans; validates our processes; and identify any possible gaps. The capacity built and lessons learnt from this exercise would also benefit our CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market) neighbours who have partnered with and sort national security assistance from Trinidad and Tobago in the past.

With Trinidad and Tobago having lead responsibility for security matters in CARICOM, it is important that we always stand ready to serve our CARICOM neighbours. This Exercise Fuse Response that is, took place from April, 16- 27, 2018 in both Trinidad and Tobago.

5 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

In preparation for the exercise, United States Military Troops arrived in the past weeks before April 16, 2018 which was the start date.

Approximately two hundred and seventy (270) United States Military Personnel were involved in this exercise, alongside our Trinidad and Tobago National Security Agencies. Areas that witnessed the presence of troops for the exercise in Trinidad were:  The Piarco International Airport;  Cumuto;  Couva;  Macqueripe; and  The A.N.R Robinson Airport and areas in this such vicinity in Tobago.

Madam Presiding Officer, “Exercise Fuse Response”, was only a simulation exercise. As I indicated the goal was to ensure that our National Security Agencies are capable and equipped to protect our citizens; residents and visitors alike, while they are on Tobago soil. So it was designed to be as realistic as possible to ensure and to allow our Security Agencies to gauge their readiness capabilities. However, the scenarios were entirely fictitious, and had no relation to any real threat, nor situation in Trinidad and Tobago.

It was also designed to cause minimum disruption to the general public however, advisories and advanced notices were issued by the relevant authorities in areas where exercises were conducted and which may have required the public to make temporary adjustment.

6 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Resources utilized were not usually part of the Trinidad and Tobago National Security landscape but these were needed to facilitate the scenarios which were tested.

The public was assured that the presence of these

resources was in compliance with our local laws and of course, was only to be used for the expressed purpose of the exercise.

No enhanced status has been given to the United States Government for this exercise and Trinidad and Tobago continues to be an independent Sovereign State. Furthermore, it must be noted that Exercise Fuse Response was confined within Trinidad and Tobago territory and did not extend beyond this country.

Neither the Government of Trinidad and Tobago nor the American Government indicated that the presence of the United States air vessels were connected with the Russian Intelligence-gathering (spy) Vessel - “The Viktor Leonov” presence in Trinidad and Tobago’s waters in 2018. Additionally, both the Ministry of National Security and the Tobago House of Assembly kept the public informed about Exercise Fuse Response through Press Conferences, Press Releases and ongoing information disseminated in the public domain throughout the period of the exercise.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Leader.

Question No.52 by the Minority

TOBAGO JAZZ EXPERIENCE 2018 (Request for information)

7 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

52.

MR. WATSON DUKE asked the Secretary of Tourism, Culture and

Transportation the following question: “With reference to the Tobago Jazz Experience 2018, please provide the following information: (a)

The total number of General and VIP tickets printed for sale?

(b)

The total number of each type of ticket sold at full price, and the total revenue made from those sales?

(c)

The total number of tickets sold at reduced prices? Giving the reduced price(s) and the total revenue made from those sales?

(d)

How much money was spent on alcohol for the specially invited guests?

(e)

How much money was spent on Tobago-based artists, Trinidadbased artists, Regional Artists and International Artists?

(f)

How much money was spent on each of the following: tent, chair, lights, stage, sound, and event management?”

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Secretary of Tourism, Culture and Transportation.

SECRETARY OF TOURISM, CULTURE AND TRANSPORTATION (Hon. Nadine Stewart-Phillips): Thank you very much Madam Presiding Officer.

8 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, at this point all accounting details are being prepared by the Accounting Department of the Tobago Festivals Commission.

I am therefore asking, that the response to this question be deferred to the next sitting.

Question deferred to next sitting.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Noted.

Question No.53 by the Minority Leader.

FISCAL BUDGET OF THE TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY – 2017 – 2018 (As at April 30th, 2018 amount spent and the Balance) 53.

MR. WASTON DUKE asked the Secretary of Finance and the

Economy the following question: “With reference to the 2017 – 2018 fiscal budget of the Tobago House of Assembly, please provide the following as at April 30th, 2018: Oral Answers to Questions (Cont’d) MR. W. DUKE (Cont’d)

(a)

How much of the approved Recurrent Expenditure budget has already been spent, and what is the balance?

(b)

How much of the Development Programmes Expenditure has already been spent, and what is the balance?”

9 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Economy.

Secretary of Finance and the

DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY AND SECRETARY OF FINANCE AND THE ECONOMY (Hon. Joel Jack): Thank you, Madam Presiding Officer.

As at the end of April 30th as it relates to Recurrent Expenditure, the revised allocation at this time is one billion, eight hundred and thirty-six million, six hundred and sixty-nine thousand, one hundred and thirty dollars ($1,836,669,130).

Total releases to Divisions to date under Recurrent Expenditure total one billion, one hundred and forty-nine million, four hundred and twenty-six thousand, one hundred and fifty-four dollars ($1,159,426,154).

The balance on Allocation as at April 30 th currently stands at eight hundred and twenty-six thousand, seven hundred and sixty-six thousand, three hundred and three dollars ($826,766,303).

The actual expenditure or total expenditure including commitments currently stands at one billion, nine million, nine hundred and three thousand, six hundred and twenty-seven dollars ($1,009,903,627) resulting on a balance on releases of one hundred and thirty-nine million, five hundred and twenty-two thousand, five hundred and twenty-seven dollars ($139,522,527).

10 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

As it relates to the Development Programme the Revised Allocation at this time currently stands at three hundred and thirty-nine million, thirteen thousand and seventy dollars ($339,013,070).

Total Expenditure including commitments currently stands at one hundred and fourteen million, six hundred and two thousand, seven hundred and two dollars ($114,602,702).

The balance of releases at this time currently stands at seventy-three million, nine hundred and forty-five thousand and eighty dollars ($73,945,080).

MR. W. DUKE: Thank you.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Question No.55 by the Minority Councillor.

PROPERTY PURCHASED BY THE DIVISION OF HEALTH, WELLNESS AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT OR ANY COMPONENT OF THE ASSEMBLY (Date purchased, description, cost and status of) 56.

COUNCILLOR DR. FAITH B.YISRAEL asked the Secretary of

Health, Wellness and Family Development the following question: “ Please indicate whether the Division of Health, Wellness and Family

Development (or any other component of the Tobago House of Assembly for use by the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development) purchased any property (land and/or building) on or

11 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. after January 2017. For each purchase, please provide the following information: (a)

the date and number of the Executive Council Minute authorizing purchase;

(b)

a description of the property (owners, location, size etc.);

(c)

the total cost (indicating the amount paid, and balance outstanding);

(d) (e)

the date cheques were issued, and the payee on each cheque; and current status of property (is the property currently occupied?

By whom? Have new structures been erected?)”

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development.

SECRETARY

OF

HEALTH,

WELLNESS

DEVELOPMENT (Hon. Dr. Agatha Carrington):

AND

FAMILY

Thank you, Madam

Presiding Officer.

The date and number of the Executive Council Minute authorizing the purchase is January 18th, 2017 by Executive Council Minute No.41.

The description of the property:  Mr. Carlton Romeo Lot No.2, Union Trace, Whim, Tobago.

12 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. 

Ten thousand and seventy-five square feet (10,075sq ft.) of land with a floor space of six thousand, six hundred and seventy-five square feet (6,675 sq ft.).

The total cost:  Two point seven million dollars ($2.7m.).  The cheques issued Cheque No:003511 of May 11 th, 2017 to the Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Finance Company.

Current status of the property:  The Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development is in occupancy and no new structures have been erected.

Thank you.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Question No. 56 by the Minority

Councillor.

LIST OF WORKERS WHO HAVE ATTAINED OR WILL ATTAIN RETIREMENT AGE 56.

COUNCILLOR DR. F. B.YISRAEL asked the Secretary of Health,

Wellness and Family Development the following question: “With reference to Sections 55:2 (Compulsory Retirement) and 55.3 (Employment beyond the Normal Retirement Date) of the TRHA’s Human Resource Policies and Procedures, please provide the following information:

13 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. (a)

The number and categories of contract workers who have attained the retirement age of 60 on or before December 31 st, 2017 and are still (or were retained) on contract to date?”

(b)

The number and categories of contract workers who have attained the retirement age of 60 on or before April 30th, 2018 and have been as contacted indicating that their current contract will not be renewed?

(c)

The number and categories of contract workers who will attain the age of 60 after May 1st 2018, but before December 31st, 2019.”

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development.

Oral Answers to Questions (Cont’d)

SECRETARY

OF

HEALTH,

WELLNESS

AND

FAMILY

DEVELOPMENT [Hon. Dr. A. Carrington]: Thank you Madam Presiding Officer.

The information requested requires some more time, and therefore, I ask that this be provided at the next sitting.

Thank you.

Question deferred to next sitting.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Noted.

14 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Leader of Assembly Business.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BUSINESS MOTION REVIEW OF THE STANDING ORDERS LEADER OF ASSEMBLY BUSINESS AND SECRETARY OF INFRASTRUCTURE QUARRIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Hon. K. Des Vignes): Thank you Madam Presiding Officer. I beg to move: “BE IT RESOLVED that the Standing Orders of the Tobago House of Assembly be referred to the Standing Orders Committee for consideration and report within the current session”.

I so move.

Question put and agreed to.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: The motion is carried.

Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BUSINESS MOTION REQUEST TO SUPPORT FULL INCLUSION OF DIFFERENTLY ABLED PERSONS IN TOBAGO

15 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

SECRETARY

OF

HEALTH,

WELLNESS

AND

FAMILY

DEVELOPMENT [Hon. Dr. A. Carrington]: [Desk thumping] Thank you Madam Presiding Officer.

The Motion reads: “WHEREAS the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 speaks to, among other things, reduced inequalities and the promotion of a peaceful and inclusive society; AND WHEREAS at the national level there is a recognition of the need for a policy to govern work and employment as it relates to differently abled persons; AND WHEREAS the Tobago House of Assembly has provided support to the numerous differently abled Tobagonians directly through disability grants and indirectly through partnership with several Non-Governmental Organization; AND WHEREAS the Tobago House of Assembly through the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development has identified the need for increased focus and accelerated action for the inclusion of the differently abled in the work place; BE IT RESOLVED that this House support the Executive Council decision to set up a broad based multi-disciplinary stakeholder committee to prepare a position paper with an emphasis on inclusion of differently abled persons in the workplace in Tobago; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this committee formulate a framework for the establishment of a register of differently abled persons on the island.”

16 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, I tabled this Motion in my capacity as Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development. This Motion seeks to address the vexing issue of the limited inclusion of the differently abled in our community. Madam Presiding Officer, I will present the problem of inclusion of the differently abled worldwide, in the region in Trinidad and Tobago; and I will summarize the experiences in various countries, the progress made and the challenges faced.

My Colleagues will support this

discourse and speak to different areas.

Madam Presiding Officer, let me recognize the community of differently abled persons with whom I have had the privilege to work, and who have been providing yeoman service to our island, on this island and for whom this Motion is of critical import and for whom we will continue to advocate.

Madam Presiding Officer, this Motion is timely since the Eleventh Conference of the States Parties to the Convention of the Rights of persons with disabilities will convene between the periods June 12-14, 2018. The theme this year is, “Leaving no one behind through the full implementation of the CRDP” (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) which is speaking to the, “Convention of Rights of those persons with disabilities”.

It is timely, in that we are seeking to canvass and obtain as wide as is possible views from a cross section of persons in our community.

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More particularly, Madam Presiding Officer, the sustainable development goals points to a disability inclusive framework, and several of those goals points to inclusiveness.

So, goal four (4) points to guaranteeing

equal and accessible education by building inclusive learning environments; we have goal eight (8) as well; goal ten (10); goal eleven (11); goal seventeen (17); goal six (6); all of those goals point to the need for or set a framework for inclusiveness.

Therefore, the context within which this

course will continue would be within the framework of the STGs; within the framework of the CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and work done by our own country, in terms of our vision 2030.

Madam Presiding Officer, I recall the words of Professor Steven Hawkins, (Deceased) as he mentioned; “Disability” need not be an obstacle to success; and he is speaking, I have had Motor Neurone Disease for practicably all my adult life, yet it has not prevented me from having a prominent career in Astro physics and a happy family life”.

Madam Presiding Officer, the World Bank reports that, one billion (1b.) persons or fifteen percent (15%) of the World’s population experience some form of disability; and the prevalence of disability is higher in developing countries. So, then, one fifth of the estimated global total or between one hundred and ten (110) and one hundred and ninety (190) million (110m. - 190m.) persons experience significant disabilities. So that

18 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. with over a billion (1b.) persons living with disability, we need to look at those areas that we can improve the opportunities for them and to make this world much more a sustainable. When you look at children, an estimated ninety-three (93) to one hundred and fifty million (150m.) children, zero to fourteen (14) years live with some form of disability. This data comes out of the Global Report by the UN (United Nations) 2015. So, today we in Tobago, we call for inputs by a range of:  Stakeholders;  All arms of government;  Civil Society; and  All Organizations with responsibility for persons with disabilities.

When I looked at Trinidad and Tobago’s data I noted that over twenty-three thousand (23,000) persons are living with disabilities. Though in terms of Tobago there are gaps in the data but that the Social Welfare Department noted that over three hundred (300) persons are being serviced by them.

Disabled persons are being service but yet there are others who are not yet accounted for, so that there is a gap in that data.

Madam Presiding Officer, persons with disabilities are likely to experience adverse socio-economic outcomes than those without disabilities such as less education, poor health outcomes, lower levels of employment and even higher poverty rates and so several barriers exist for them. The physical environment in which they live, the transportation issues,

19 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. communication, gaps in service delivery like in healthcare and so on and therefore, we recognize that there is a need for us to intervene.

Madam Presiding Officer, globally, persons with disabilities have been recognized as one of the largest minority groups which have been vulnerable to neglect, deprivation, segregation and exclusion.

Madam Presiding Officer, when I looked at what is occurring in countries like India. After India’s Independence, the Government of India accepted its responsibility for this sizable marginalized group and has formulated various programmes for welfare and rehabilitation of these persons with disabilities.

Looking at their data further, four to eight percent (4 – 8%) of the population in India are differently abled. One (1) in every ten (10) children is born or acquires a mental, physical or century disability and this is a substantial number. Even if our situation in Tobago or in Trinidad is not as grave, we still think that we must address the whole matter of inclusiveness.

In consideration of those priority areas and those goals that were identified in the STGs, we feel that we must continue to pay attention to the issue of inclusiveness and so much of our discussions would be centered around that. Those areas that include education, employment and decent work, social protection and non-discrimination are important for us to note.

Notwithstanding the fact that Trinidad and Tobago signed on to the UNCRPD which is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons

20 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. with Disabilities and ratified in 2015, there is still much more to be done such that we can promote, protect and ensure that these rights of persons with disabilities can be preserved.

Madam Presiding Officer, the rights of persons with disabilities is a Human Rights issue.

As Secretary for Health, Wellness and Family

Development and my team, it is our responsibility to lead the charge and to champion this charge such that we can address these matters that confront them.

Madam Presiding Officer, it is our intention to collaborate and my colleagues and those on the other side that we collaborate with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services but we think we must lead the way because much more could have been done.

Madam Presiding Officer, the differently abled do not need handouts.

We must create an enable environment for them to thrive. It is their right!

According to the Chairman of the Down Syndrome Network - Glen Niles; “We have to move away from the charity model towards the social model.”

We must move towards an eventual situation where there is full inclusion.

Inclusion therefore, is the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, having equal access opportunities and resources and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.

21 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, when we look at social inclusion the process of improving the ability and the opportunity and indeed the dignity of our people is important because we want all of those persons to take part in society.

The Express tribune Editorial of December 7th, 2017 noted that inclusion of all segments of society is a hallmark of a strong democratic country Differently Abled persons deserve equal say in day to day matters.

Madam Presiding Officer, recognizing their intelligent abilities, they comprise a crucial part of society. So I will want to point to some issues around inclusiveness in education and this will be elaborated by the other presenters.

Madam Presiding Officer, inclusive education must be understood as inclusion of the differently abled persons in regular schools. It differs from previously held notions of integration and mainstreaming which tended to be concerned principally with disability and special education needs and implied that learners are changing from becoming ready for accommodation by the mainstream.

So by contrast, inclusion is about the child’s right to

participate child’s right to participate and the school’s duty to accept. This is what we must pursue.

Madam Presiding Officer, in the case of what is happening in the United States where we notice highly likely that children with disabilities will comprise a large group and data is showing that it comprise a large

22 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. group of persons, I just want to point to a few things that are happening. I want to draw on that as well as speak to what is happening in that is noted in Trinidad as well.

Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, multiple indicators demonstrates improvements in social inclusion and the like and that several persons have had the opportunity to benefit from services and have access that hitherto they did not have. So I wanted to point that but in looking at what has been happening in Trinidad and Tobago setting the efforts of inclusion I noted where as early as 2008 a study commissioned by the Ministry of Education to look at a plan that treats with inclusiveness, the Miskey Wits and Associates Plan and the first issue that was raised and one of the most important goals that they sought is to build attitudinal and philosophical awareness of inclusion among all personnel it is ten (10) years, it is a decanator and there is still much more to be done.

When you look at employment, work is an important, social and financial involvement for persons with disabilities and we think that this provides a rich opportunity and a rich venue for social inclusion and much of the research is pointing to that however, there is much more to be done.

We note in the case of the United Kingdom, persistently low employment rates among disabled individuals and I noted that study done by Bumberge and others in 2015 where they pointed to the issues with respect to low employment rates. When we look at what is happening in terms of

23 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. other countries and I tried to look at several because this is really a wide ranging topic.

Issues around employment and decent work and the way we must ensure that our differently abled persons are able to be included and break that vicious cycle of poverty and marginalization - those areas require attention.

We note where working age persons with disabilities are less

likely to be employed than the non-disabled peers. But what is happening with the legal and policy framework? Governments in several countries have been playing a crucial role in creating and enabling legal and policy environment but again, there is much more to be done.

The intention of this is to ensure that we have a much more inclusive environment for our differently abled.

When we look at what is happening in terms of Health Services, persons with disabilities tends to suffer poorer health; have less access to health care; often find barriers in accessing health care; have challenges with the attitudes of Health Service Providers and the like. There are physical barriers as well in terms of the design of our Health Facilities; although some work has been done locally, but there are still challenges that exist. So there are barriers to facilities including:  Inaccessible parking areas;  Uneven accesses to buildings;  Poor signage;  Narrow doorway and the like.

24 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

and these must be addressed.

When we look at Social Protection and Welfare, several challenges still exists.

There is:  Poor coordination of Services to the disabled;  Limited access to mainstream Vocational Education;  The professional potential of a people that could be tapped remains untapped;  There is limited consultation with persons with disabilities in terms of planning their services.

Sometimes the Programmes we develop do not explicitly state the target population or does not include the range of services that these persons require.

Therefore, this Motion is seeking to look at several of those. So,

social inclusion is essential and important as we seek to enhance the quality of life of those persons with disabilities.

We note that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through the same Ministry of Social Development, they have worked on amending the last National Policy on persons with disabilities. Still there are areas, still there are gaps. So, our thrust through this Motion, is to fully engage all stakeholders and provide feedback for inclusion in the Draft Policy. We want

25 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. to embark on this initiative such that it can benefit the disabled community.

We will not wait! We cannot wait! They require our support now.

Madam Presiding Officer, permit me to point to research with respect to “inclusiveness” in employment in other countries.

An inclusive labour

market can be defined as: “A labour market in which everyone can participate, regardless of any form of disability or vulnerability”. Therefore, including the disadvantage and low productive workers who contribute to the best of their abilities must be considered by all employers.

Madam Presiding Officer, “Equal Opportunity and Equal Treatment” must be included in gainful employment of persons with disabilities.

Indeed, this is their right.

The employment rate of persons in Canada and I looked at Canadians between the ages, twenty-five to sixty-four (25-64). The data for 2011 pointed to an employment rate of forty-nine percent (49%) compared with persons without disability, the rate being seventy-nine percent (79%).

University graduates, with a mild or moderate disability, had employment rates that did not significantly differ from those of their counterparts without a disability. In part, because persons with disabilities are less likely to be university educated, they were more likely to be employed in specific occupation such as:  Personal Service; and  Customer Service Occupations.

26 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

When you look at what is happening in the United States and a recent study done last year, where they try to examine employment and choice making for adults with intellectual disability; autism; and Down syndrome.

They try to examine the current state of employment for three (3) groups of adults with intellectual disability; individuals with autism; individuals with Down Syndrome and the like. The adults with Down Syndrome had the highest rates of paid community jobs, but adults with and I call it, “ID�, they had the highest rates of choice making. So employment rates remain low despite national efforts to find jobs for persons with disabilities. Choice making being a unique factor that was found to be associated with the employment status and providing a target for interventions to increase their employability.

When you look at what is happening in other European countries, the need to step forward and to integrate persons with disabilities has been recognized, and they aim to create a much more inclusive labour market, so that those persons can benefit.

Just moving closer home to Jamaica. In a recent study through a World Bank Project, and this project sought to improve the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities in the wider Jamaican society.

Of the one hundred and twenty-three (123) individuals who received employment during round one (1), seventeen percent (17%) were still employed six (6) months after completing training. However, as subsequent training rounds are completed an increase in the employment rate is

27 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. anticipated by the time the project closes. We hope that as they continue that those disabled persons can actively participate in the workplace.

I pointed to some issues with respect to Legislation, but there is a particular area that I would want to mention. Let me point the whole issue of “Quota System” for the disabled.

There was an approach that was

implemented. For instance in:       

Germany; France; Austria; Belgium; Italy; Spain; and Poland

where with the application of a Quota System, Companies are forced to employ a minimum percentage of persons with disabilities.

Madam

Presiding Officer, quotas range from two percent (2%) in Spain, to seven percent (7%) in Italy. Most countries adopted a quota of five percent (5%) of the workforce. However, many of the Quota Systems allow for a fine that Organizations can pay and that releases them from fulfilling the quota. So, that you may either obey or you pay the fine. People have been doing that.

So, this persistent low employment rate among disabled persons continues to be an enduring concern of governments across develop and even developing countries and has been the subject of several policy initiatives, indeed Trinidad and Tobago is the same.

28 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

When you look at and we advocate that as well inclusiveness in respect to transportation, there are challenges with respect to transportation for the differently abled. Therefore, there is need for greater awareness of the need to provide the adequate transportation and accessible transportation for those persons with disabilities. When you look at the built environment, access to the physical built environment, there structural requirements to a pavements or buildings whether they be public or private, such that you can allow them to have complete access. Indeed, there are some vehicles with wheelchair access, but there are many more areas to have those in our Public Transport System.

So, “inclusiveness” is a key area for us, be it in Health;

be it in Education; be it in Transport, all of these areas; these are important areas that we want to consider. We expect that the policy makers that are driving the National Policy that these areas will be considered because they are important for our disabled community.

I wanted to point to another area in terms of social support.

“Inclusiveness” in respect to social support is an area and a major gap as well. There is need for greater participation in support groups or for support groups to support those who are differently abled.

We think as well that our Media Awareness Programmes should sensitize the public much more with respect to what is happening and to assist us in terms of addressing those issues with respect to the disabled community.

I think one thing that advocates of inclusion tend to forget is that children who do not have special needs can develop better skills if they work closely

29 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. with children with Special Needs.

So inclusiveness benefits both the

persons that are Differently Abled and the person who is able.

Madam Presiding Officer, finally, it should be understood that where inclusion is considered, all of facilities must be taken into account the way they are designed such that they are not creating serious disadvantages for the differently abled.

We think that they must consider all these areas in

terms of access, mobility and the ability to freely move. We think that it is a right that all our Members of the population should benefit just as those persons who are less abled.

We think that there is a need for us to ensure that as we give them the support they become much more able to contribute to society. We think that if we empower and motivate our persons with disabilities they can participate in all the services that are available to those who are able. Much has been said with respect to the differently abled but where is the research that supports some of the work that is required to be done?

We advocate proper

assessment and early diagnosis of our differently abled persons towards early detection and early intervention so that persons could be screened, assessed, diagnosed and be treated and managed early.

Where is the research as well for us to identify those persons with who are differently abled early? Perhaps we have to diligently look at how we can do those Feasibility Studies as well to provide better services for them.

30 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, it is all about inclusion of those persons who are disabled not only including them in the classroom but including them in society. Madam Presiding Officer, we must develop a nation that thinks about all its people, from the sidewalk access, to the man with the wheel chair, to shorter waiting times in the emergency room.

Madam Presiding Officer, it is all about inclusion.

I beg to move. [Desk thumping] [Applause] Question proposed.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Minority Leader. [Desk thumping] MR. WATSON DUKE [Minority Leader]: Madam Presiding Officer, I thank you for the opportunity to speak in this Honourable House. I want to pay special acknowledgement to the students from the Technical Vocational Centre for persons with disability and their hardworking teachers; Ms. Bacchus, Ms. Thomas and Ms. Orr-Cyrus. We are delighted to have you in the House today.

I just want to pay special respect to those persons who

may have physical challenges and those who are here in support of the Motion.

The Motion is a good one, the Motion is one that the Minority Council will not seek to condemn or lower in any way, however, I want to spend just a few moments, addressing the Chief Secretary through you, for whom the responsibility of this good House falls upon.

31 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Disability (and my Colleague Dr. Faith will give you all those legal dragons and definitions etcetera, what disability is) is not only for those persons who lack vision, for those persons in wheelchair who have Speech Impediment etcetera it goes beyond that.

For over two (2) years, the

population of Tobago were treated as if they were all disable because they were unable to use the air-bridge and the sea-bridge totally.

We are

concerned about that, about able people forcing others who should be able to become disable. This is what I want my good friend the Chief Secretary to stop and stamp out in Tobago.

I also want him to pay close attention to the fact that it will take more than a Special Select Committee or a group of people from the East, West, North and South to improve the condition of the disabled persons in Tobago.

What we need is legislative changes and I would have expected my friend who would have been the Presiding Officer of this House for four (4) long years to learn a thing or two (2) but indeed, they have read the front cover of this book [Indicating] called, “Tobago House of Assembly Act” - still enforceable but they have not checked on the contents.

I wish to read for

my good friend today, as we support this Bill of course - one line that comes from Section 25. I know he is taking it down, so I would not go very fast as he takes some verbatim notes on that side. It will help you in your future presiding over the Executive Council. What it says here is that: “The role of the Tobago House of Assembly is to formulate and implement policies in keeping with Schedule 5.”

32 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Not to create Committees, not to engage in side shows. These things are things that should be done by the snap of a finger [Indicating] like that. We do not need to come here and waste precious Parliamentary time, precious Tobago House of Assembly time to debate this. This is a non-issue.

We agreed that there should be a Committee to facilitate the needs of the differently abled people in Tobago to ensure that they are properly provided for. We do not need to come here for that. What should have been done (I am going to give you a little timeline through the Honourable Presiding Officer) is that we should have set up a Committee outside, you could have come to us, you have my number, you call me for all different types of nonsense, you could have called me and say; “Look, let’s have a discussion.” And we would have gladly come by you or you come by us which is under James Park there by the tree – we have room there for everyone, come there by us or we could come by you.

HON. J. JACK: Accessible to the differently abled too?

MR. W. DUKE: Differently able people too, differently abled people there is no elevators, it is accessible, wheelchair bound, persons could attend.

Could have come there and we would have simply agree with you and say let us form the Committee – end the talk Let us form the Committee. Do it!

We have no opposition to that. But to bring us into this Honourable House to waste good time, is not right. So, having formed the Committee outside, the Committee should have been given a mandate to draft rules; or policy; or guidelines; regulations; whatever and those were draft. As I said, draft those

33 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. things which would have come to the Chief Secretary, he would have shared with the Executive Council, and then you bring it to the House to debate.

This is what the Drafters of this Act contemplated when they draft it. They say, we are supposed to, “Formulate and implement policy”. So having a Draft Policy, you bring it, so we could better formulate the policy and having voted upon those Policies, we then pass it. I know he is asking his good friend there, comrade, Joel Duport Jack, I hear you are asking him, how does he know that?

I want to say to you that I am training for your job.

[Laughter] That is how I know that. That is the way how things ought to go here.

Madam Presiding Officer, if we are to assist our differently abled people, and I see them with compassion, because a Leader must have compassion, one of the first things we ought to do is to try to have the Central Government amend things like the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Act which does not cater for the differently abled people. The Chief Secretary looking surprised! He is alarmed by that. You can ask me, I am a Trade Unionist on another day, I will tell you it does not cater for the differently abled people. There is no Legislation within the OSHA Act that provides for the differently abled people. So we have a lot of Streets in Scarborough; a lot of Buildings in Scarborough where these good people have to access services inaccessible.

They almost gave me

one up the road there, and then they took it back and gave it to the police.

Ah!

34 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

I am saying Madam Presiding Officer, we need to address the law, the Occupational Health and Safety Act must speak to the needs of differently abled people, all buildings in Trinidad and Tobago; all access to public spaces. Yes! Even Argyle Water Fall; even Pigeon Peak which is the highest peak in Charlotteville/Speyside. Yes! Even people who want to go on the Reef, they must have access; who wants to go to Little Tobago. We are talking about protected spaces, they must have access. This is what I expected to here in this good House. Formulation of policies to treat with Legislation that would debar these persons from enjoying a decent life as they should? But we are not hearing that from them. Instead they want to waste the Tobago House of Assembly time; by forming another Committee.

This is the Ninth Committee they are forming for the year. The Ninth one!

The first one was “Code of Conduct” Madam Presiding Officer.

Here we have in this Standing Orders, this Order of Business here, every month we come here and we say, “Special Reports”. There is none!

No report is coming back from the Food Nutrition Committee; no report is coming back from the Constitutional Amendment Bill Committee, but they want to form another Committee.

I am saying we are for the Committee.

Yes, form the Committee. Go ahead, form it, but please have the courtesy, have the decency; have the manliness to report back to this House on a timely basis. We should not be begging for a report. We should not be begging for a report. So again, we agree to this, fix the Legislation, fix the OSHA Act.

35 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Secondly, you must address the issue with “The Equal Opportunities Bill”. I do not know who pass a Bill like that. But they do not cater for the differently abled people in that Bill. No! In the Equal Opportunities Act they do not cater for the differently abled people.

I am saying to you when you look at the Westminister System that they love to boast and tout about that we are under the West Minister System, I ask myself which system in the West Minister they are under.

Which System? It cannot be the British Parliament they are following.

In 2010, eight (8) years ago, the British Parliament would have passed a document called, “The UK (United Kingdom) Equality Act 2010”. In that Act, they are nine (9) protected areas. One (1) of those areas is, “The Disability”. Persons with disability must be protected. They must have access to cars like anybody else; to license a car like anybody else.

I see

two (2) of my colleagues here who are driving cars and I salute them. You have broken the barrier! Thank God for the genes you have within you, and that is Roxborough genes. They have it, they are from Roxborough. We overcome obstacles. So, I want to salute you all and put it on the record Roxborough genes they have. We expect to hear something like that. How do you treat with the fact that they are been discriminated in the OSHA Act? They discriminate against them! How do you treat with the fact that the Equal Opportunities Commission discriminated against them? But you want to form Committee - to do what? But we will support your Committee anyway because that is the level of my Colleagues across here thinking, forming committees.

36 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Again, as I take my seat, because I would not debate this long. It is like trying to control the breeze. The breeze goes wheresoever it wants to go. You cannot control it. We are not trying to control them, but I am going to say this, this Honourable House; this dignified House that was here since in the seventeen (17) something, this House or if constructed differently, the role of this House is to formulate and implement policies, not to form, not to form, not to form Committees.

Thank you. [Crosstalk] MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Representative for Bethel Mt. Irvine.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AND LABOUR [Mr. Shomarie Hector] [Desk thumping]: Thank you Madam Presiding Officer.

I want to begin also by thanking my Colleague who is advising me to bring the discussion back and not play as some would, play politics with people’s life’s; their livelihoods and the future that ought to promised to them by their God and their Government.

Madam Presiding Officer, some two (2) years ago thereabout, if my timeline is correct, the Central Administration in Tobago under the auspices of the People’s National Movement made some promises to the people of

37 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Tobago, that we would revise our Governance Systems and Structures in such a way that we would give occasion to persons here in Tobago to realize their fullest potential. Over that period of time Madam Presiding Officer, this Administration has articulated; clarified; and enacted some of those policy decisions which we would have promised the people to ensure if by no other means that there is access to quality education for all peoples; that the Health Sector in Tobago represents a dynamic service where quality care can be afforded to our people, not just residents or islanders, but also our visitors; that we must work hand in hand with all sectors of society to construct as it were, a robust private sector. We have heard this, we know it, I am only reminding us so that we understand the context of it within which the discussions are to be had today.

Madam Presiding Officer, but more importantly, we said less than fourteen (14) months ago, that we were insisting upon creating as it were, a hospitable; but productive people.

That promise came against the

background that there would be an exemption of none and exclusion of nobody.

Madam Presiding Officer, we would have gone as far as come to this great House to enact the Tobago Community Action Model which gave life and buoyancy to community groups and interest within our societies, so as to ensure that we continue to interact with them, hear their pulse; hear their passions; hear their concerns; and treat strategically with those things that affect them most.

38 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, in addition to which we would have made true on our promise to establish broad-based communities; we would have made true on our promise to ensure that the whole process of collaboration and public consultative processes are well attended so that our people can hear from us and we can interact with them and they can hold us through to legitimate expectations.

Madam Presiding Officer, it is against this background that I am very, very pleased to be a part of today’s debate because it speaks to a next fundamental area of service delivery based on the promises given and assured to the Tobagonian people and I am proud to be a part of that. [Desk thumping] Madam Presiding Officer, before I jump into the crux of the matter, let me just clarify something for the record. The Member opposite said that we did not need to come here to discuss this thing, that we could have met with him in James Park – the same arena where he tried to be more Shepard than the Psalmist David and paraded himself up and down the place with a set of sheep. He said that we could have come here and have agreements and the likes and not waste Tobago’s people’s time.

Madam Presiding Officer, this is the same Member who staged a walk out of the House when we tried to agree upon the establishment of a Code of Conduct. How can we take his word? [Desk thumping]

How can we rest

39 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. assured in the suggestions and the articulations being made when in truth and in fact, one is not even guided by your principle or by a Code of Ethics? We are therefore left with no other choice but to come to the House to debate Tobago’s people’s business. [Desk thumping] Madam Presiding Officer, the Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour of which I am the Assistant Secretary, (I am proud to be a part of that administrative family) continues to work hand in hand with community groups and interest to give ear and attention to the needs of communities at the level of the individual, the family, the society and this half of the National community.

Madam Presiding Officer, we have gone as far to empower community organizations such as village councils, religious bodies NGOs (Non-governmental

Organizations),

other

FBOs

(Family-based

Organizations) and the likes, Madam Presiding Officer, giving them an opportunity to recognize in themselves that they are a part of the Governance structure and that their contribution is important to the work that we do and the quality representation and service delivery that we want to deliver to the people of Tobago. We have done that, Madam Presiding Officer, because we insist on this side of the divide that all our peoples matter and that we will govern equally and equitably. [Desk thumping]

40 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, but what was evident from our consultations is that there is in fact, a pervasive and prevailing culture. One that speaks in one respect to a kind of inclusion but one that also looks down upon persons who are differently abled and this is the culture we want to remedy.

Because while the Tobagonian people by their very nature are a

hospitable people, while by our exertions as it pertains to industry and labour we are a productive people and yes, more can be done and better can be accomplish, we are also a people who engender a sense of sensitivity and sensibility because of the health factor and not because of who we are based on nature.

Madam Presiding Officer, I am saying that only to say that sometimes our reaching out to persons especially those who are differently abled is because we feel a how about them. They make us feel a how, sometimes we feel sorry, sometimes we feel empathy, sometimes, we are saying Madam Presiding Officer, that the time has come to establish a broad-based Special Purpose, Special Select Committee that would ensure that policies, and principles are well constituted so that our people can be properly educated and all peoples can benefit from a culture of inclusivity here in beautiful Tobago - our capital of Paradise.

Madam Presiding Officer, I want to quote from an article on Educating for a Sustainable Future - a Transdisciplinary Vision of Concerted Action paragraph 111 to 112 from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and it says:

41 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

“Our culture includes our whole systems of beliefs, values, attitudes, customs and institutions. It shape our gender, race and other social relations and affects the way we perceive ourselves and the world and how we interact with other people and the rest of nature. To the extent that the global crisis facing humanity is a reflection of collective values and lifestyles, it is above all, a cultural crisis.

Culture therefore, (the article continues), has a central place in the complex notion of sustainability and whatever form the future takes it will be shaped at the local level by a mosaic of cultures that surround the globe and which contribute to the decisions that each country, community, household and individual makes.”

Madam Presiding Officer, all of that comes down to say that we have a responsibility as the Central Administration of the Tobago House of Assembly. We have a responsibility as our leaders to ensure, that we work hand in hand with other community agencies, individuals, to create a culture of inclusion, a culture of inclusivity.

Madam Presiding Officer, I have very close friends who are differently abled and I would call one’s name because he gave permission so to do, a good friend of mine, “Stephon Charles”, he is confined to a wheelchair. He was not born that way, in fact, it was an accident that led to him being confined to a wheelchair.

Stephon said to me one day: “One of the reasons why I

love you so much is because you have never pitied my position, pitied my complaints.” The reasons why I was never able to do that is because I saw him as a human person. I saw him as no different to me because we have more in common than we do uncommon and that while he may have some confinements to a wheelchair that would limit mobility and the likes I

42 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. recognizing myself that I have limitations as well that speak essentially to who I am as a human person. That is reflected in each and everyone of us so do not run off very quickly to say that, “Shomari has a disability.� That is present in all of us - examine the self.

Madam Presiding Officer, one of the things he told me in fact, is that we need to ensure as Government, and as Leaders that we do all that is within our powers to ensure that the differently abled in society has a fair shot of life.

Madam Presiding Officer, I am suggesting to us today that we have done a tremendous good, that we have done a great lot as an Administration to make true and to make good on our promises which we have intimated to the people of Tobago and to the national community as it were. But we are also here, Madam Presiding Officer, for the establishment of a multidisciplinary broad-based stakeholder community because we recognize that with a little shift in priority, we can go further and do better.

Madam Presiding Officer, we recognize that Governments do not have all of the answers and that we need the community, that we need the church, that we need the family, that we need other institutions to continue to help us to sharpen and in one respect, to purify our policies and our strategic directions so that our persons can benefit from our generosity as it pertains to good governance and responsible leadership.

43 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, as an Assembly, as a Division, as a local and national community, we are applying this ethics as it pertains to the way in which we develop images of sustainable futures that are culturally appropriate and locally relevant.

The great diversity of our cultures around the world means that there will be many versions of what a sustainable future might be. That in various localities and in different forms sustainability will reflect differently based on the values, the aspirations, the expectations, the resources and the abilities including aptitudes of a people.

Madam Presiding Officer, despite these differences there are at least three (3) common trends that run through the global consciousness and the global thinking about sustainable futures that speaks for inclusion of all types of peoples.

Madam Presiding Officer, these are thinking about “forever”, being first among them. This is important to me only because it suggest to us, that while base on our spiritual beliefs and our religious perspectives, we do not all agree that we will be on earth forever, that Madam Presiding Officer, we have to think of, “Forever” as a possible destination, a certain kind of future.

Madam Presiding Officer, you see when we think of, “forever” we must think that we must begin to put things in place to minimize and mitigate against the challenges that affect persons that resulted in them being differently abled; that while we would not never been able to treat with all of the biological, all of the psychological; all of the social factors that impact

44 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. upon pregnant mothers and upon families; and I even dare to say pregnant husbands; pregnant fathers. Madam Presiding Officer, that we must begin to put things in place to ensure that we provide avenues and areas by which persons can lead healthy productive and progressive lives, thinking about forever.

Madam Presiding Officer, that has been made evident in the “Grow Tobago Eat Tobago Programme” our Campaign which we have started and which I would wish to invite Members opposite to be a part of. Most especially, since we are also your leaders, and we care about you.

Madam Presiding Officer, secondly, the whole process of learning.

When we think about the differently abled, often times we think about access to institutions; access to public spaces; accessibility; access relative to communication and information and the likes.

We even go as far as

thinking and quite rightly so, about the different types of intelligences and how we interact with those. Madam Presiding Officer, we are saying, that we must think more closely about the process of learning because in a generous Tobago, the 21st Century Classroom must be concerned with empowering and educating all peoples barring disabilities. [Desk thumping] Madam Presiding Officer, the third leg of this is a “dynamic balance”.

A dynamic balance! I want to pride myself in talking about that, “Dynamic balance”. What it suggest, is that no man is an island, and that if we are to really champion the kinds of changes which we want to see to empower and improve the quality of our people’s lives, there must be balance in the way

45 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. we govern our Systems and mange our affairs. That no one individual should assume divine right; or total power to determine the course of anybody else’s future. So, we are very happy that we are in the company of those persons for whom this Policy is directed, because we wish that they would be a part of the process.

Madam Presiding Officer, you see as a young man I was the last of my parent’s five (5) children. While I do not wish for everybody to have intimate knowledge about me, I said that only to make the point, that decisions were made for me, but not with me as a young man.

You see, I

happen to grow up in an age where little children must be seen and not heard, but Madam Presiding Officer, we are pushing the bars; we are challenging the status quo because now we are saying that everybody must have a voice and that their particular concerns must be attended with dignity and with a spirit of humanity. We want to hear your concerns too.

Madam Presiding Officer, while it is arguable that none of us will be exact in our assumptions of what the future will be, except that it will be very different from life as we know it today, decisions about whether that future is a sustainable one or not, will depend upon changes to human culture. The home culture; the individual culture that shape and define the mental spaces; religious cultures. Often times we see that (and it is evident in our landscape; in our national community) Religious Leaders use religion as a wedge to separate society, preying upon the effectiveness and spiritual domains of people, their cognitive domain to divide us. But we are saying,

46 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, that in as much as we love this whole concept of a “side by side we stand” twin island Republic”, we are going to do all that we can to ensure that the differently abled are not left behind; that we must challenge workplace cultures and good governance and practices as a culture.

Madam Presiding Officer, developing an understanding of the emerging concepts of a sustainable development for our people is one of the major focus of the Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour. UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) defines “Sustainable Development” as and I quote: “Development that meets the need of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Madam Presiding Officer, through our Vocation Skills Programme, we continue to provide resources; facilities; avenues; and opportunities for persons to recognize and realize their full potentials without compromising that of others. Madam Presiding Officer, that in this Division we recognize and acknowledge ourselves as being the hub around which Tobago’s further development will be centred. As a result, we continue to extend the olive branch of peace; the hand of partnership to various Divisions; various governmental agencies and various Non Governmental Agencies to continue to work together, to partner and to collaborate in constructing the kind of future that we want to see at the level of the community.

47 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, this Administration acknowledges that the interdependent links between “Environment and Sustainable Development” are not simply conversations of economics, but also includes concern for issues such as:         

Human rights; Population; Social Development; Equity and Equality; Housing; Food; Security; Gender; and Equal opportunity.

that are also important to the thrust.

So, even in that I want to take the time to commend my CEPEP (Community-Based

Environmental

Protection

and

Enhancement

Programme) brothers and sisters who are presently engaged in a “District Clean-up Campaign Drive” because they understand that the environment is an enabling factor in persons recognize in their full potential.

We want to

ensure that the environment is such that it accommodates and it affords even the differently abled the opportunity to navigate that environment in a manner that is consistent with their humanity.

So, Madam Presiding Officer, I sat there listening to the Member opposite and I could not help but be reminded of a poem that we all know Desiderata:

48 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

“Go placidly among the noise and the haste and remember what peace there be in silence As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all people.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story”.

Madam Presiding Officer, I could not help, I could not resist the urge to quote that poem, only because it suggests that we have to come to a place in our collective consciousness where we recognize that even when the view of the other is not what we would prefer first hand, that we give occasion to hear those views to dignify them and to acknowledge their humanity.

Madam Presiding Officer, I heard all kinds of talk about the Equal Opportunities Act. It went as far as suggesting that all of Tobago within recent months would have been a disabled people because of the catastrophe that has become as it were, the “air and the sea bridges”. I take great issue with that. I take great issue with. It was said to the House over and over, it was articulated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry; it has been purported on all social platforms; all media outlets; it has been purported that there were seldom ever I dare say never an instance where the boat as slow as it would have been travelling from Trinidad came to Tobago at one hundred (100) capacity; that there was never even an instance and very few instances when it came to Tobago at sixty percent (60%) capacity. In other words Madam Presiding Officer, the disability would have been on the individual level, if any at all.

We do not at all seek on this side of the

49 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. political divide to assume responsibility for that because while the System may not have been at its best, it certainly was not a collapse one.

Madam Presiding Officer, the institution of this Broad-based Multidisciplinary stakeholder Committee provides an opportunity for the people of Tobago as part of the whole national community to start thinking about a Comprehensive Development Framework and eventually to agree on a set of International Development Goals that cater to the specific needs of the differently abled. These take a holistic approach to development in which there is a balance between all dimensions of development:    

Social; Economic; Political; and Ecological.

Madam Presiding Officer, the Division of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour, just like the Division of Health, Wellness, Family Development, the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy, Youth Affairs and Sport – all Divisions across the Tobago House of Assembly is determined to establish a dynamic balance between cultural differences and the emerging global ethic which is a key component of educating for a sustainable future for all people.

It reminds us that sustainability will be built from the actions of people and businesses within communities and so that at all level of society and extending outward in a spiral of shared understanding and revised and

50 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. renewed visions our differently abled can be integrated into society and benefit from industry and commerce from education and empowerment from Health, Wellness and Family Development, from Sport and Youth Affairs, from innovation from Technology and from spirituality. Madam Presiding Officer, we are saying that we are catering to the whole man - every man.

Madam Presiding Officer, but not just are we prepared to have what we called this dynamic balance among the dimensions and principles that underlies sustainable future but we have articulated, dimensions of that sustainability, the ecological, the social, the economic, the political but not just those dimensions but the values related to those principles. Values of peace, equality and equity, values of conservation, appropriate development knowing that we are not where we want to be but we have come quite a long way in the past fourteen (14) months and we have certainly come a tremendous long way in the past sixteen (16) years.

Madam Presiding Officer, the principles of democracy that allow for the inclusion of many voices knowing very well that I am because we are.

These principles mean that a sustainable future would be one in which all peoples care for each other and value social justice and peace. One in which we work together to protect natural systems and use resources wisely. One that value appropriate development and a satisfying livelihood for all people and one that makes decision through a fair and democratic process.

Madam Presiding Officer, I wish to close by reminding persons that this Committee supports a diverse approach to Community Development

51 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. and Family Development as it pertains to new trends in family structures.

That it supports the diversity of all persons and will support the diversity of all persons with different experiences, abilities talents and contributions. That this Committee will seek to engender labour related and social models for integration that remove barriers and empower participants and improve the quality of their life despite their differences. That this Committee will engender a sense of equality of opportunity and treatment for all peoples especially the differently ables as it pertains to their ability to access employment that is becoming of their true potential.

Madam Presiding Officer, this Committee would work to ensure that there is a Registry that we will be able to follow closely the progress of those who are differently abled in society and in so doing, identify more closely with the fight to end discrimination that is levied against said individuals. That we would work towards the protection of our fundamental rights and freedoms for all peoples and engender those policies by partnering with governmental and non-governmental agencies that protect against harassments, attacks, humiliations and all other forms of assault. That we wish to support families to ensure quality care is provided at homes and businesses where equally high standard, high quality care can be delivered at the workplace which will speak directly to a decent day’s work for a decent day’s pay.

But more importantly, this Committee would work to ensure,

Madam Presiding Officer, that a people who are a proud Tobagonian people will identify despite limitations, despite disabilities has been a people who

52 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. can be called a sound economic citizen that are both hospitable and productive.

Madam Presiding Officer, we continue to extend the clarion call to all agencies, all organizations, all interest groups to join us in the fight of equality so as to ensure that everybody, everywhere in this beautiful land mass that we call “Tobago” have access to a decent shot of life.

I thank you. [Desk thumping] MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Councillor Dr. Faith B.Yisrael.

[Desk thumping] COUNCILLOR DR. FAITH B.YISRAEL [Minority Councillor]: Good afternoon Madam Presiding Officer. Good evening to the other Members of the House and to those in our visiting gallery, good evening to you. Today, we meet again and as the Minority Councillor indicated I also believe that this is sort of a waste of State’s time because we really do not need to debate this. As a result, I will be pretty quick because there are couple points that I particularly want to raise if we are going to do this and we are going to do this comprehensively.

The first point I want to look at has to do with the idea of the definition of somebody who is living with disabilities. Now I got a copy, thanks to the Communications Unit of the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development. I got a copy of the Draft National Policy on persons with disabilities and I thank the Communications Office for that. Now I

53 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. specifically looked at that document because one of the things that was raised when I was preparing for this Motion was what is the definition of somebody who is disabled? What are the various types of disabilities that we are talking about because if we are going to put together the Committee and the Committee in going to in essence move towards a Position Paper a Local Policy and a Registry we need to know exactly what it is that we are talking about, who are the people we are targeting for want of a better word.

Madam Presiding Officer, I decided to look a little closely at the various kinds of disabilities and the definitions that we need to pay very close attention to.

There is a World Health Organization system that

classifies disabilities and it uses three (3) specific terms we speak about impairment, we speak about disability and then we speak about handicap and I would spend a little time talking about each of those.

Madam Presiding Officer, the term “impairment” according to this classification system means and I quote: “Any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function.” In other words, we mean anything that affects the structure or function of the body so that it is not classified as “normal.”

This may be as a result of accidents; this may be because the person was born like that, genetics or other issues.

According to that Classification

System, there are nine (9) specific categories of impairments.

Madam

Presiding Officer, I will outline those. We continually speak about disability

54 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. in Trinidad and Tobago as if we are only speaking about those with physical disabilities. Now, sometimes we may include those with developmental disabilities; but that is not the sum total. We need to be clear about that. So these include;  Intellectual; and these are those related to thinking; memory. Of course when we think about the traditional mental retardation and so forth.

There is another category includes:  Other Physiological Impairments; and those include people with issues relating to perception; attention; emotions and so forth.

There are:  Language Impairments;

Request to Support Full Inclusion of those include people who are unable to understand the different communication methods, who are unable to speak and so forth; We have:  Aural Impairment; and that include those relating to hearing loss; but it also includes those who have issues with balance. If you recognize the ear has a great deal to do with how we are able to balance ourselves.

55 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

We have:  Ocular Impairment; that includes those relating to your eyes.  Visural Impairment;

which refers to those relating to the internal organs; those that we do not see.

Those that we may not be able to recognize at face value; gastrointestinal issues; reproductive issues all of those.

We speak about:  Skeletal Impairment; which includes our limbs, arms and so forth,  Disfiguring Impairments; which refers to those that disfigure the different parts of the body. Those may be a little more obvious for you to see.

Then there is another category which is sort of a generalized section which includes things like failure to thrive; it includes issues relating to malnutrition, some blood disorders, things like headaches and uncontrollable itching and so forth.

Madam Presiding Officer, so those are the impairments.

There is a

link. The other term I would like us to look at very carefully at, is the term,

56 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

“Disability”.

According to that WHO (World Health Organization)

Classification System: A “Disability” is any restriction or lack which results from any of the impairments… that I recently spoke about …that makes it difficult to perform an activity in the manner or within the normal ranges considered for human beings”.

Madam Presiding Officer, in other words, if the impairments that we outlined before, now causes you to not been able to function normally quote and quote within society, then it is classified as a disability. There are several. I would not go through all the categories; there are nine (9) categories but just to let you know there are nine (9) areas which include:  Behavioural;  Communication;  Personal care;  meaning we are unable to dress ourselves and so forth;  Body disposition; which includes things like reaching; kneeling that kind of movement that is needed.

I would highlight the ones specifically that refer to the World of work.  Dexterity;

57 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. those that relates to gripping, and allowing us to use our legs and so forth comfortably;  Situational;  and that is important. Situational refers to those people who because of the impairment above may not be able to withstand certain noises; certain degrees of light; certain temperatures and so forth.

There are those that are in the category of particular skills. Those refer to things like critical thinking; things like being able to corporate with other people; tidiness; and those things.

Now, I highlight those because Madam Presiding Officer, if we are talking about a Resolution, that is going to create a Multidisciplinary Stakeholder Committee to prepare a Position Paper with an emphasis of inclusion of differently abled persons in the workplace of Tobago, we need to ensure that we do it as comprehensively as possible, and not just focus on the disabilities that we traditionally think about.

Madam Presiding Officer, the final word in that Classification System is what is known as, “Handicapped”.

Handicapped is defined as: “A

disadvantage for a given individual that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role that is normal.”

58 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, that is where we come in. It is where we come in. This is where governments; this is where companies; this is where the society has to ensure that it creates spaces that does not force someone who may be disabled, to then be handicapped. We know individuals who are disabled may be able to function normally if the right provisions have been put in place to do so. Madam Presiding Officer, that is where I would like us to take this kind of discussion. We cannot use the old way of thinking about it; we cannot use the just looking at the locomotor types of disabilities. We have to be way more comprehensive to ensure that our workplaces; to ensure that everywhere the streets; the schools are actually able to facilitate people who are disabled. Not just those who are disabled using the very definition that we are used to using.

Madam Presiding Officer, as I talk about that, please allow me to then move on to the second point, which is a distinction between “Accessibility” which in essence is what most people have been talking about and the concept known as reasonable accommodation. “Accessibility” is simple, that speaks to having access to spaces. So, Madam Presiding Officer, it includes and I am going to use some specific current examples:  Ensuring that we have ramps; so that people can enter buildings unassisted;  Ensuring that there are elevators available We are quick to say sometimes that the building has an elevator, but we have to be conscious of the fact that if there are a couple steps to get to the elevator, someone who may be wheelchair bound may not be able to access

59 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. the elevator. So, we have to think about this holistically. As I said before, when we are talking about “access”, we mean, “unassisted access”.

I know for very long at the current Office of the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development and at the old Office, there are officers who are wheelchair bound and could not have accessed the office space because there was no way to get to the Conference room or no way to get to the Meeting Room that happen to be upstairs.

Madam Presiding Officer, there are also little things. For example, if we say there is an elevator, then the elevator needs to be open and easily accessible all the time. Some people should not have keys that prevent other people from getting into the elevators.

Madam Presiding Officer, things like toilet facilities. Again we go back to this is all part of the definition of “access”.

So we may have a toilet but to get to the toilet there is a “step up” or “step down” if you look at practically all of the toilets in this building there is some step up or step down to get to it. And even if there is not a step up or step down to get to it you have to then look at the size of the toilet, the size of the stall. Can someone who is wheel chair bound get in, get themselves unto the toilet unaccompanied, unassisted, manoeuvre within the space unassisted and be able to function normally? comprehensively.

So we have to think about it

60 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

What about Disabled Parking?

Now we all know that Disabled

Parking is something that is quite obvious, it needs to be closest to the entrance or at least closest to the entrance where there is a ramp and so forth but we currently have situations, for example Madam Presiding Officer, where Members of Staff, senior Members of Staff who are not disabled have been parking in the spaces that have been designated for disabled individuals and when those people raise a fuss, when it is being highlighted instead of doing the honourable thing and creating more spaces for those who are disabled, what they do is paint over Disabled Sign and change the title of the space, not being conscious and not being cognizant of the fact that that space was placed there for a specific reason not for the convenience of the most senior officer but for the convenience of the Disabled Members of staff. Now those are examples of accessibility where we talk about access to the space they are generalized.

Madam Presiding Officer, I would like us to spend a little bit more time and I would like us to commit at this Tobago House of Assembly to doing more than just creating accessibility but moving towards having reasonable accommodation.

Reasonable

accommodation

refers

to

having

individualized

adjustments to the work environment in response to the specific needs of the worker. Now, that would ensure that for example, our contracts that may include some non-essential services or some non-essential functions for

61 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. someone who we have identified as “Disabled”, who may not be able to fulfil those non-essential functions, we can remove those from the contracts and not use those against the individuals at their appraisal points later. It may also include making special provisions at the work space and let me give some examples, Madam Presiding Officer. For someone who may have Rheumaroid Arthritis yes, something that we talked about, something that a lot of people have but we do not classify it as a disability the way we think of disabilities. You may need to adjust the contract time for that person and allow that person to have probably shorter working days to have possibly seventy or eighty percent (70 or 80%) full time contract and have that still be classified as full time employment for that person. Somebody who may have an intellectual disability you may pair them with another co-worker who is able to assist them, who is able to monitor, who is able to monitor them, who is able to assist with decision-making and certain task while on the job.

So a pregnant worker who maybe having severe morning sickness in the first trimester you may have something as simple as altered working hours so they do not have to be at work for 8.00 o’clock in the middle of the morning sickness or you may allow that worker to stay at home and work from home during those hours. These are all examples of accommodation, reasonable accommodation and that is where the world is leading as it relates to ensuring that we have the kind of inclusiveness that we claim to be talking about.

62 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, the bottom line is that if we are talking about inclusiveness and if we are talking about equity and if we are talking about ensuring that everyone is able to benefit from being at work, able to benefit from all of the provisions that we provide we need to go way beyond just equality because equality may not bring equity and reasonable accommodation moves way beyond simply thinking about making spaces accessible for people with disabilities.

Madam Presiding Officer, I, like the Minority Leader, I also looked at this Motion and thought, “another Committee?” Okay, and I sincerely hope that those of us who are here speaking, are not just doing this to provide lip service to people who really need us to function. Because we have on too many occasions formed these grandeurs Committees and had these Instrument Giving Ceremonies, had beautiful pictures placed them on facebook and so forth and shortly after when you ask what has that Committee done thus far?

The answer is “Eh, I do not know!” Or possibly “nothing.”

Madam Presiding Officer, we stood here, we sat here, we debated two (2) months ago to have a Committee to deal with the very important issue of the Tobago Autonomy Bill, it is two (2) months later we had a non-starter of a meeting and that Committee has gone nowhere since. [Interruption] HON. K. DES VIGNES: Madam Presiding Officer, on a Point of Order.

As a Member of the Forum of Political Parties, I would like to indicate that

63 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. what the Member is imputing is actually false and that overtures have been made to the Minority and in particular to the Minority Assemblyman to meet on matters regarding the very Committee as formed by the Members of this Assembly.

COUNCILLOR DR. F. B.YISRAEL: Madam Presiding Officer, I am speaking about the Committee that the Thirteenth Assembly Sitting created we voted on, Special Select Committee we had what we thought should have been a meeting shortly after that agreement at that meeting there was an understanding that it needed to be convened and the individuals who needed to convene it officially were not there and if there have been meetings since then, I have not been informed. I have been selected to be a Member of that Committee so we have had no meetings of that Select Committee since we agreed and since we voted on it two (2) months ago, Madam Presiding Officer.

Madam Presiding Officer, there are other Committees that have been formed:  Research Ethics;  Facilities Review Committee for homes for older persons;  Facilities Review Committee for homes for children, specifically under the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development.

These Committees were formed, they were given their instruments of appointment in May 2017.

It is now a year later and I am wondering,

Madam Presiding Officer, what have those Committees done? Where are

64 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. they?

Have those Committees actually functioned the way they should

have? It is a year later, Madam Presiding Officer.

The last thing I would like to talk about very quickly, is the fact that we are going out and talking about having a Register for individuals who are differently abled and I was hoping to get a sense of what this Register is supposed to do and maybe the following speakers would answer that question. Where are we going with this Register, why are we collecting that kind of information?

Is it that we want Social Support Services to ensure

that they are meeting the needs of all their clients? If that is the case, then I am sure the social support agents have a list of all of their clients. Is it for disaster preparedness?

Madam Presiding Officer, I know that TEMA (Tobago Emergency Management Agency) already had a very clear definition of disabled, and they have actually gone out and created a list of disabled individuals within their communities for disaster response matters. So, I would like to get a clearer understanding of what really is this register supposed to do.

One of the comments that I got when doing research for this, was the fact that we need to be careful that we do not create these kinds of registers and identify people which can then lead to discrimination of those people if we are not clear about the rules and regulations and parameters of these kinds of registers.

65 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, I am very glad that the Speaker before me, spoke so candidly and was very clear about the fact that the Tobago House of Assembly needs to be the Agency that pushes the kind of inclusivity that we are talking about. I hope and I pray that what comes out of this is not just the lip service that we have gotten for the longest time and that they will actually act accordingly to ensure that all of the needs of all of the citizens on this beautiful island of Tobago are taken care of.

Madam Presiding Officer, I thank you. [Desk thumping] MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary, Division of Education, Innovation and Energy.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, DIVISON OF EDUCATION, INNOVATION AND ENERGY [Ms. Marisha Osmond]: [Desk thumping] Thank you Madam Presiding Officer.

Of course, I rise to my feet to make my contribution of course to the Motion as tabled by the Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development, Councillor Dr. Agatha Carrington. Good afternoon of course to my Colleagues.

Madam Presiding Officer, the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly of 2015, and embraced by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, set out the targets that should be met by the year 2030. The Trinidad and Tobago Government understands

66 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. and adheres to the seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations and the first WHEREAS draws our attention to these sustainable goals.

My focus today will be on Goal No. 4 which deals with, “Quality Education for all”. I would like to read, it says that: “Quality education for all by the year 2030”. We must work towards encouraging our youths and adults who have relevant skills including Technical and Vocational Skills for employment; decent jobs and entrepreneurship. By 2030, we must work towards ensuring all have access to an education at all levels regardless of age; gender; abilities; etcetera”.

The Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development alluded to these goals of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and of course we at the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy in keeping with Goal No. 4, has a mandate and a target to provide basic quality education to all from preschool to the Secondary level. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to the agreement of the Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 has been a participant of what we call, “The Dakar Framework for Action.” A few of these goals are: Expanding and improving Comprehensive Early Childhood Care and Education especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantage of children.

(1)

Ensuring that all children with special emphasis on girls,

67 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. including the poorest working children and children with needs complete a good, quality primary education.

Finally of course, (2)

Ensuring that the learning needs of all young people are met through equitable access to appropriate learning and Life Skills Programmes.

Madam Presiding Officer, as a student of Sociology the functionist will always tell you and they purported that school is a miniature version of society. I believe that the School should become the training ground, the place where inclusion of the differently abled begins and of course transcends into the workplace; the place where the goals as outlined above begin to take shape and are operational. Hence, our mission at the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy is to provide an environment that promotes and supports holistic development and lifelong learning through relevant; innovative; and well-conceived Educational Sporting and Youth Oriented Programmes thus enabling all persons to achieve their full potential as productive citizens.

Madam Presiding Officer, the concepts of a peaceful and inclusive society as mentioned in the Sustainable Development Goals and of course our mission at the Division, can only be realized, if as a society we divert from all traditional modes of thinking and of course acting.

Madam Presiding Officer, as a people, to know and to understand where we are going, we must understand our history. During my research on this Motion, I discovered a lot. I would like of course for you to permit me

68 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. a moment to share and to add a little on the history of persons with disabilities.

I know my Colleagues before, Dr. Agatha Carrington and

Assemblyman Shomarie Hector shared. But permit me to share a little that I found as I researched.

Gordon Tantillo Felderman and Perenell in 2004, they wrote: “The history of disability in Europe and other parts of the world is replete with evidence of violation of human rights and beliefs. That persons with disabilities were contaminants and threats to and otherwise pure human species.

They go on to write Madam Presiding Officer, Many persons with disabilities were murdered and use as objects of entertainment and the common belief was that society and persons with disabilities needed to protect themselves from each other”.

Canon 1964, wrote that: “During the Fifteenth Century, private philanthropic organizations in Europe began of course to establish schools for persons with sensory impairments. Cannon notes that the curriculum sought to develop vocational skills and this was a stark difference from what existed in the regular schools.”

I move closer to home and I am going to talk about the history of Trinidad and Tobago. When I researched, it was noted that oral history indicates that Trinidad and Tobago followed this example that was noted by Canner and evidence of this still holds for today. For example, this society assigns specific tasks to some persons with disabilities. The Trinidad and Tobago society expects persons who are blind to weave and to make baskets; many

69 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. assigned cooking; sewing; or housekeeping; to those who are deaf.

However, in an inclusive setting, all students must pursue the same general curriculum.

Madam Presiding Officer, in the Caribbean there is evidence of negative societal attitudes in some countries.

In Guyana for example,

society does not think that students with disabilities should have access to general education. Stories indicate that some Caribbean persons fear person with disabilities. For example, relatives and friends thought it is unwise to work at a Special School while pregnant.

Apart from believing that

disabilities are contagious, many think that persons with disabilities can harm them. This indicates that there is limited understanding and awareness of the nature of disabilities.

At the recently held, “Hidden Disabilities Conference in Trinidad” Dr. David Bratt who is a Trinidadian based Pediatrician with over thirty-seven (37) years of public and private practice of Pediatric Care at the Hospital and University Level, in response to a question in the question and answer segment, mentioned that there was a period in Trinidad and Tobago’s history when children were being treated at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for Marasmus. Sadly, their parents took them for ritual cleansing and they died during the practice.

70 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, I say to you this is the extent to which traditions and beliefs can cloud our thoughts, processes, judgments and impede our progress as a people.

I know all of you sitting around this Horseshoe can think of examples of the one that was mentioned by Dr. Brat. But as I was researching, I had to have conversations with experts and one (1) of the experts that I spoke to and with, was Dr. Joan Bobb-Ward.

Of course, you know that she is a

Tobagonian and she stated that from an extensive research in Tobago and elsewhere, she discovered that there exist what she calls, “an epileptic model of disability in Tobago.” In her own words and I want to quote her at this time. She says: “A significant find in her study is the existence of three (3) models of disability among stakeholders. These models can be located within international conversations and persons with disabilities.

They include the Medical model, which has its genesis in the early history of persons with disabilities, the Religious model and the Social model that later emerged and influence the worldwide move toward inclusive education.

Her work gives an explanation of each model and in the interest of time I would share briefly: The Medical model of disability views disability as a problem that belongs to the individual with the disability who should then assume full responsibility for the difficulties associated with the disability.

Madam Presiding Officer, she goes on to say: It ascribes causation to injury, disease or other health conditions which require rehabilitation or treatment.

71 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

as

The Social model of disability is an inclusive approach that distinguishes impairment from disability and views the environment the disabling factor.

Madam Presiding Officer the Religious Model as she explains: Bear steams which embrace conceptions of sin or sanctity, care and compassion, burning and healing, wholeness, impurity and weakness and undesirability.

Dr. Bobb-Ward further stated: This study revealed a peculiar marriage of the medical, religious and social models of disability that she has labelled as I said before, epileptic model.

She shares that: Stakeholders perspectives on inclusive education and their beliefs and practices about disability contradict the ideals of inclusive education. The perspectives have presented valuable guidelines on ways to promote this initiative and move the society from elitism to inclusion.

Madam Presiding Officer, however, as she said: These stakeholders promote an epileptic model of disability which is a combination of the medical, social and religious models. These models particularly the medical and social models contradict each other is therefore no one a solid philosophical stands with which stakeholders would approach inclusive education if there is not urgent successful intervention that targets attitude.”

Madam Presiding Officer, I am saying to you the only thing that is constant in this world is “change” and for the differently abled change must

72 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. come.

Change is necessary. The promotion of a peaceful and inclusive

society can be realized only when we as a people understand the challenge.

We are radical enough to make a difference and we recognize and make the groups in society such as those with disabilities, our drop outs, our out of school children and our vulnerable boys and girls no longer feel afraid, ashamed and disempowered.

Madam Presiding Officer, the feelings of

uncertainty about their future must be a thing of the past.

Beliefs and practices need to change if we are to foster a spirit of inclusion, reduced inequalities in education system, promote peace and realize any of the goals outlined above.

Madam Presiding Officer, I draw your attention to the second “WHEREAS” and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has demonstrated its commitment to education for all by signing on to the relevant Treaties and Conventions and developing the policies that directly address inclusive education. This include: (1) (2) (3) (4)

The Ministry of Education Strategic Plan 2002 to 2006; The Education Policy Paper 1993 – 2003; The Draft Policy on Special Education for 2004; The Students Support Services Discussion Paper on Inclusive Education – 2004;

(5)

The Ministry of Education Strategic Action Plan – 2011 – 2015; and

(6)

The Draft National Standard for Education – 2006.

73 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, an evaluation of the Tobago School for the Deaf, Speech and Language Impaired was conducted and a document was presented by the Committee that was charged with responsibility for doing evaluation and of course, attached to that document are recommendations for improvements.

Madam Presiding Officer, the then Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport in response of course, to Education For All, Youth with Disabilities and the drive towards inclusive education developed a Special Evaluation Implementation Plan and that document I have in my possession.

The document of course, speaks to:  Policy Directive for Early Childhood to pose Education into Adulthood;       

Awareness and Sensitisation; Data Collection; Advertisements and Press Releases; Committees and there Structure; Service Delivery; Inter-divisional Service Co-ordination; Screening and Evaluation and much, much more.

At the level of the Ministry of Education and the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy, the Policy Framework has been developed.

74 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, all over the world, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and all other interested stakeholders, grapple with ways to reduce inequalities and inclusion of the differently abled and the vulnerable. There are countless research papers, projects, programmes and best practices that point the way forward. All this information serve to guide and provide strategic direction to this Administration and those in managerial positions. All of this is in an effort to ensure that our citizens transition from school to the workforce and add value to the island of Tobago and our twin island Republic.

Madam Presiding Officer, Members of this House, the foundation has been made and the information is available.

The Secretary of Education and the team that he leads recognizes enormity of this inclusive education of the differently abled. We understand that it requires more than improvements to the physical infrastructure of our school buildings, it means provision of modern teaching aids and resources, staffing etcetera. The public is assured that the Division of Education will work diligently to meet the needs of our differently abled and of course, to ensure education is accessible to all.

Madam Presiding Officer, let us go to “WHEREAS” No.3.

The

Tobago House of Assembly through the Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports and now the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy has provided support directly and indirectly to the Differently Abled

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Tobagonian, the out of school children, the vulnerable and those with Special Needs. The Division has over the years assisted in the following:(1) (2)

Back to school assistance to needy students; Funding of assisted devices like glasses and Hearing Aids;

(3)

Psycho-social assessments of students and of course we give referrals to the Division of Health;

(4) (5)

Individual and group intervention where necessary; Sponsorship and assistance to conferences, workshops, seminars, sporting activities and trips.

(6)

You can remember the Down-Syndrome Day Conference that was just held and of course, the Tobago leg of the Special Olympics; We also prepare individual educational plans; We provide transportation; We provide nutrition; We give meals; We provide staffing and curriculum planning; Of course, we provide provision of teachers and nursing aids;

(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

We have the introduction of the Technical Vocational Tracking programme for students scoring under 30% in the SEA Exam; and

(13)

(14)

There is an initiative to have the Police Youth Club intervention as part of the rehabilitation of our young people;

(15)

We have certificate training of our elementary school teachers.

There was training of forty (40) teachers in the area of intellectual disabilities and autism spectrums.

In 2005, the Tobago House of Assembly had its first Annual

76 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Professional Development workshops in areas such as:     

Best Practices in Instructional Delivery; Behaviour Management; Intervention strategies; and Learning disabilities.

The Division of Education partners with the Division of Health to provide free screening for, “Vision and Hearing”. There has been introduction of the Construction Certificate Training Programme in:    

Masonry; Carpentry; Plumbing; and Electrical;

at the Roxborough Trade Centre.

We have training for Early Childhood Teachers in areas of early identification and intervention strategies and this is necessary to plan for students who display developmental delays in speech; language and behaviour.

Madam Presiding Officer, the Teacher Professional Centre at Mardon House recently opened serves as a place where teachers can meet; plan; research and collaborate. It is open to all:    

Early Childhood Teachers; Primary; Secondary; and Special Education Teachers.

77 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

The ongoing Instructional Coaches Programme at Primary Schools has been taken place as I said before, the assessment of the students has been administered and the results would allow us to see the gaps in the system, identify our vulnerable students and can effectively meet the needs of these very students. Madam Presiding Officer, service; performance and delivery beats old talk anytime. [Desk thumping] This PNM Administration is here to deliver and of course to deliver more.

Madam Presiding Officer, I move on to WHEREAS No. 4. We have learnt from the past and as an Administration we are looking to the future.

We want to make our schools accessible to the differently abled; the vulnerable and the disadvantaged children.

We begin of course with the

soon to be completed Scarborough R.C. Primary School which will be equipped with elevators and ramps. When the new Scarborough Secondary School and of course the School for the Deaf Hearing and Language Impaired and our five (5) Early Childhood Centres are constructed under this PNM Administration, they will be institutions like no other. [Desk thumping] Madam Presiding Officer, the PNM Administration in our Manifesto told the people of Tobago, that we are going to stimulate schools to deliver quality education. The Division will soon initiate the “I love my School Project”. This island wide competition would involve the participation of our thirty-nine (39) Primary Schools; our nine (9) Secondary Schools and our two (2) Special Education Schools. This project has been designed to arouse an awareness of and appreciation for the school environment and its

78 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. importance in the child’s development. The “I love you School Project” Madam Presiding Officer, Members of this House, seeks of course to encourage our students to take ownership of their school environment and defend it against negative influences.

Secondly, it has been designed to foster comradery and team spirit among our students; Thirdly, cultivate strong partnership and bonds among stakeholders that the parents and of course the community; and Fourth, stimulate the inner creative abilities of our students by tapping into

their various strengths and abilities.

As we continue to look to the future Madam Presiding Officer, we

will continue as a Division to train our staff and our teachers. Of course, in July of this year, the Division brings to Tobago, “The Young Innovators Camp”. This is an initiative of the Innovation Unit of the Division of Education Innovation and Energy. The camp aims to: (1)

Provide a stimulus for innovation practices among our island’s youths;

(2)

Aid in the positioning of Tobago as a major player in Programming and Application Development.

Madam Presiding Officer, participants of these camps will be drawn from all the schools here on the island. [Laughter]

79 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Madam Presiding Officer, in December, the Division delivers to the People of Tobago, an Innovation Fair, and of course we are going to encourage all our schools to have Innovation Camps. Madam Presiding Officer, and Members of this House, the Division is seeking to find and develop hidden talents; and unused potential and of course the innovators on this island of Tobago and these must come from among our children here in Tobago.

Madam Presiding Officer, we continue to look ahead, the Division of Education Innovation and Energy continues to partner with our Sister and Brother Divisions, working together we continue our past efforts and we will enhance our delivery.

We aim of course in the future to incorporate

Financial Literacy; and Entrepreneurial Studies; into the Curriculum of our primary schools; we intend to promote enterprise responsible risk taking and innovation among our youths; we intend to develop programmes that target our boys and our vulnerable groups in our society.

If you remember Community Development had a lovely thing when they recognized, “World Day of the Boy child”. Some of the programmes we tend to introduce of course in areas of:    

Jewelry making; Grooming of animals; Caregiving; Housekeeping;

etcetera, etcetera.

80 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Last night, I had the privilege I do not watch Television, often but I had the privilege of looking at TV6 and I saw a hearing impaired woman and she was living a very active successful satisfying life. When I looked at it drew my memory to the gentleman who was the keynote Speaker at the “Down syndrome Conference”. Of course, I like my calypso and ex tempo, so I remembered Lingo, and they are many others that we can think about as examples. Madam Presiding Officer, this PNM Administration, is on a mission, and the mission is from gate to the classroom and beyond. The sky is the limit for the differently abled in our society. As an Administration we understand the importance of inclusiveness of the differently abled in the Education System.

My Colleague, Dr. Agatha we agree with you at the Division that for the differently abled it is their right to be in the Education System and we guarantee you that we will do our part. [Desk thumping] Madam Presiding Officer, I draw near to the end and we must remember that this is all of our business. All of us have to play a role in this business of education and inclusiveness of the differently abled.

I want to

say thank you to all those that prepared the way and as Assistant Secretary in the Division, I work close with my Secretary and we will get the job done.

[Desk thumping] The leadership and management of the Division realizes that it is a holistic approach is necessary in this business of education if the transition of the differently abled and the vulnerable from school to the workplace is to take place effectively.

81 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

Therefore, the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy registers its support for the Motion as presented and

further support the

Establishment of a Register of differently abled persons on the island of Tobago.

I thank you. [Desk thumping] MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Member for Parlatuvier/L’Anse

Fourmi/Speyside.

MR.

FARLEY

AUGUSTINE

[Member

for

Parlatuvier/L’Anse

Fourmi/Speyside]: Thank you Madam Presiding Officer.

Madam Presiding Officer, I wish to begin by acknowledging in particular, a member of the differently abled community who is with us in the public gallery. I know the Minority Leader spoke about having drivers who are differently abled from his Electoral District. But more than that, I wish to begin by highlighting him because I am one of those fortunate persons who from time to time will catch him as you will catch a car and catch a taxi to get transport to go home. Yes, he drives with efficiency, with speed [Laughter] with technical astuteness just like any other member of our society. [Desk thumping] I believe that he is a living example of what can be done when we give folks who are differently abled the equal opportunities with everyone else. I understand that he might be one of those who are struggling in terms of employment and as folks have been talking

82 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. about the Motion, folks have been talking about the need for equality in terms of employment.

If you look at the National Draft Policy that was released as of June 2017, you will see that employment is one of those areas that the Draft Policy speaks to. I wish that those who would have unceremoniously ended his contract and so on, that they will give it a second thought. Or for the very least work, with him in terms of employment. But I felt it necessary to begin my contribution by highlighting him because I think all of Tobago can learn a lot from his spirit and glory in his spirit.

Madam Presiding Officer, I wish to also say, that the reality is Trinidad and Tobago is behind time when it comes to treating with the differently abled. When we compare ourselves and other jurisdictions there is a lot more that we could have done and should have done prior to now.

There is one thing that the Secretary bringing the Motion said that I agree with and it is strange that I do not agree with her but there is one thing that she said that I agreed with and that is; “Tobago has an opportunity in this regard to lead the way in terms of our treatment of the differently abled.� I agreed with her in that regard.

The National Parliament could be behind us, they could be lapsed in how they move but for us in Tobago, we must ensure that the Tobago space is one that is also known for being friendly and accommodating to those who

83 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. are differently abled. I am saying that, we are behind time because quite frankly, all of the promises we heard from the Member for Plymouth/Golden Lane, we have heard them before. It is not the first time we are hearing promises of new schools, of schools for the differently abled we have heard these promises for donkey years. In fact, we have been hearing them for the last seventeen (17) years perhaps even more than that and so just repeating the promises that in itself does little to comfort those who require delivery on these promises.

So, we have to move to the point where we do more

than just repeat the promises upon promises to the differently abled and actually implement the things that we say we would implement.

Madam Presiding Officer, we are also behind because unfortunately, we have a culture across the island and perhaps across the Caribbean where we have not always treated and we do not always treat those who are differently abled with dignity.

I am not just talking about how the

government does things and those in governance do things.

I am talking

about the ordinary citizens at the village level.

If you should go through the villages and perhaps ask for some of the nicknames, the aliases for some of the folks who are differently abled and you heard what sometimes we call each other, those nicknames that we call those who are differently abled, you will realise that we have a culture of making light the inabilities of those who were not born or blessed to be as fortunate as we are and that is something that we must address.

84 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

So, in this Motion which seeks firstly, for us to set up a Committee (and I think those in the Minority has been at pains to say we have to do more than just set up a Committee) in fact, we wish the Committee was set up a long time ago and we would be debating the actual policy now but that is not the case.

The reality is, perhaps the policy should have been done

prior to this incarnation of the Tobago House of Assembly. So we are now setting up the Committee to get the broader policies done outstanding that will include Divisions that would not have previously done some policy work as the Division of Education would have. But we have to look and in fact, ask the Committee when this Committee is formed to really look at this from a very broad perspective.

My Colleague, Councillor Faith tried to broaden the perspective in terms of how we define those who are differently abled so that we do not miss folks and we have to look at the component of public awareness as a part of that policy that will ultimately be written up because we have to find a way to change public culture and that comes from Public re-education and so, having public awareness as part of that eventual policy is critical and it is also something that is in the Draft National Policy of June 2017.

Having

those public awareness campaigns will target not just the families but will also target non-governmental organizations, other social institutions because all of these entities have to play a role in accommodating and more than that, giving our

85 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. differently abled brothers and sisters, friends, family members, fellow villagers the same opportunities as we do.

The next thing we must look at is that the THA (Tobago House of Assembly) must take inclusive education seriously and a lot of what the Assistant Secretary spoke about in terms of inclusive education, is there in writing and I will give an example of how sometimes what we have at the Division level does not always filtered down.

Just last year after the SEA Examination a mother from Pembroke called me and asked me to come and talk to her son. Her son failed the examination and did not want to return to school so she was just looking for a male figure to talk to the young man.

When I went, I discovered that this

young man was clinically diagnosed for having several learning disabilities and he was having challenges.

The parent could have shown me correspondence with the school where she would have shared all this information with the school, she would have shared with the school the diagnosis, shared with the school the times that and the schedule that he had to use to go for treatment and so on and she shared how she had begged the school before to make the necessary application so that for the exam he will get the necessary exemptions which are provided for in law and in the Examination Council and the school did not do it.

86 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

On the day of graduation coincidently, that was also the same day that the results came out and the other children laughed at him for failing and so, he did not want to return to school.

It shows how sometimes we do in fact might have the policy at the Division level but we have to find a way to have it filtered down to those who must execute those policies and that is another area we have to look at when we are drafting this Policy Paper.

How do we ensure that it is

implemented, that we do not have this Committee meet, draft the policy and then we pass it here and then that’s it. executed?

How do we ensure that it is

You see, we need this policy because I believe that this could

assist us in changing how we interact with the differently abled at every Division. It will change how we see our industries, it will change how we go about distributing grants and perhaps, will look at the need for having different qualifications for those who are differently abled for some of these grants. The need for us to also anticipate that those who are differently abled want to participate in the Tobago lifestyle whatever that is in its fullest form.

I heard some of the snickering when the Minority Leader spoke about access for the differently abled to some of our tourism areas when the reality is that that in itself could help boost that industry and that in several places in the world, a more concerted effort to guarantee access is made for the differently abled.

87 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

I could give you my own example of going to an area in Jamaica called, “Mayfield� where you

have this waterfall (and I have always

lamented that we do not have something similar here) where on the sites of the tears of the waterfall we have well constructed steps and so on, railings and so on for people to get up.

So those who are differently abled can have access

because they can hold on, they can walk, they can be assisted up, as opposed to us having a situation where most of our sites are meant to be traversed by those who are as fortunate as we are, who are sitting here.

There is an important point that I want to put on the table which is that, in us treating with the differently abled, in a better way, we can essentially be giving them their independence.

Most people who are differently abled really just want their independence. The ability to do things on their own, to live on their own; this is about affording to other human beings that sort of independence that we all take for granted. The question is, how do we ensure that we do that?

Now, the Motion in and of itself does not contain all of this, the motion in of itself contains two (2) primary things: (1)

To set up the committee that will be broad (and I agree with that) that would consists of persons from broad disciplines, and that is good, that is excellent.

88 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

(2)

To create a registry, so that we can be aware of those who are differently abled and where they are, where they live, what their needs are etcetera.

I wish to add to that, that when we are doing our defining of the differently abled, let us insist on not being very narrow as Councillor Dr. F. B.YIsrael spoke about, but ensuring that why not to include those areas of inabilities that we cannot see with the naked eye. We have to do better. I have experienced from my own life that when you give folks who are differently abled the equal opportunity, when you give them access; when you facilitate them, that they can sit with you in the same classrooms; they can sit the same examinations with you; they can be professionals alongside you; and they can make an even greater contribution to the society just as you are. That is what this is about.

So, I join my colleagues in lending support to this Motion. But, we are saying, let this not go the way of other Policy Papers, because this is a country where Policy Papers grow to die where they end up on a shelf and become dusty and that is it.

Let us ensure that we follow up on this

particular principle, and policy that we are wishing to implement, and let us ensure that we execute it. Let us ensure that there is public awareness as part of the entire dynamic, because that is the only way that we can get sufficient buying because we have to re-educate this island of Tobago.

If

we are honest, we have not always been kind to those who are differently abled, and so part of this must include re-educating the island of Tobago.

89 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

So, I join with my Colleagues on both sides as we get ready to pass this Motion.

Thank you Madam Presiding Officer. [Desk thumping] MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

Secretary of Health, Wellness and

Family Development.

HON. DR. A. CARRINGTON:

[Desk thumping] Thank you Madam

Presiding Officer.

I think today May, 24, 2018 is a day in which all of Tobago will be well pleased because on this day we all agree on one thing. We all agree that there is a shared concern by all of us notwithstanding our (I do not want to say sides), various thoughts that there is limited inclusiveness of the differently abled. We agree about the provision of an enabling environment for the differently abled; we agree that this Committee when set up should comprise broad disciplines; we agree that there is need for registry.

However, such definition of the differently abled should be comprehensive.

Indeed, on this side we are well aware of the ramifications of that, we are well aware of all the dimensions of disability; we are well aware of that.

More importantly though, and the concern about whether or not we should have set up a Committee, let me just say that several iterations of policies exists in Trinidad and Tobago concerning the issues with respect to the disabled community, and that some construct must be set up in the Tobago space to allow for us to take on board work that was already done, in

90 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. addition to canvassing the public such that we can have their full involvement so that their views could be included.

Tobago’s position on

this matter is that we need not wait on the tardiness of the Trinidad approach and that we move towards having this policy developed.

With respect to the issues around the inclusiveness in Education, my Colleague dealt extensively with those.

The matters with respect to

inclusiveness in employment, in any area where there are gaps, I am sure there is a commitment by all the Members of the Executive Council to have those taken on board. What is certain is that for all of us, we are well aware of persons who belong to that community, but we are saying that there should be one Tobago community, comprising all of us whether you are called, “abled or differently abled”. There is need for a one Tobago - A one conversation such that we can address the issues that affect all of us. We recognize as well that notwithstanding whatever models we want to work with, that there is need for an understanding of that and that we bring together all of those views as we try to confront all of the issues that affect us. So whether it be the protection of the rights of the disabled community; whether it be access to decent work, whether it be support for families; whether it be issues with respect to equity, we all are aware of this issue and this issue requires the attention of all of us.

Madam Presiding Officer, persons with disabilities as I said before, they are likely to experience so many adverse outcomes, and it is that we are trying to address and trying to avoid. All of us (and I am not saying we on this side) are well aware of the challenges and so that together we want to

91 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m. work as one team. The reason for having a Multidisciplinary Team, it is to take into account the views, the specialties of various disciplines to bring all of those together as we seek to confront, and as we seek to address the challenges that face this most vulnerable group. We know of the neglect, we know of the deprivation; we know of the exclusion and we are seeking as a body to address those.

We must do (as the Assistant Secretary of Community Development, Enterprise Development and Labour said) all that is in our power to assist the differently abled. Indeed, that must be our commitment. We must make the change; and we must make the change now.

Now, as we wind up this Motion, let me just quickly say to all of us that some work has been in progress as the Assistant Secretary for Education, Innovation and Energy pointed to.

In the case of Tobago the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development some work has happen and the reason for us moving as we are moving it is that there is a tardiness that we have to address.

May I say, the

concern with respect to setting up of Committees and all of that, that is taken but may I say, there is a process for obtaining a Status Report on each and every Committee within the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development and I encourage you to explore that option to obtain such information.

Since 2003 there was the establishment of a Disability Affairs Unit and some staff all be it minimum amount of staff were engaged.

92 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

One decade ago, that is 2008 an Association for the Differently Abled was approved and not implemented. However in 2018 a decade later following meetings with the differently abled Community an amendment to that note was submitted and we now have an approval such that this Committee (and they started to work) may I say, although it is ten (10) years late.

We have had as well representatives from the same group working together in terms of critical areas of need and they are developing their own cost descriptors because they feel that they need training for persons who work with and for them.

In addition to which, coming out of the Scarborough General Hospital we continue to provide assessment for persons who are hearing or speech impaired.

These assessments for persons with developmental needs

continue. This is nowhere near enough, there is much more to be done.

We continue to meet with the Ministry of Social Development on matters of mutual interest as we seek to strengthen the National Policy Framework, however, we need to do much more. So whereas, earlier it was mentioned that this is a waste of time, I disagree that this is a waste of time.

I believe that this is timely. It is in sync with what is happening be it not all withstanding what is happening in the Trinidad space but we believe that this is timely.

93 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

As I mentioned, the next Convention is to come in another two (2) weeks and we expect as we are saying, no one should be left behind indeed none of the Members of our population who are differently abled in Tobago must be left behind. We recognize the pervasive culture that exist in terms of how we have been treating with our differently abled and it is for us as persons in the Assembly, persons in the Opposition, all of us of Tobago to do our part to turn that around.

Madam Presiding Officer, we will continue to advocate, we will continue to be the voices, we will continue to be those because we require much more action in this regard.

As I said earlier, notwithstanding the

presence of a robust Policy Framework in several areas, the matter of inclusiveness in many facets that is a challenge for us, it certainly eludes us.

So, we spoke of inclusiveness, we spoke of holistic approach to several areas, we spoke of violation of human rights experienced by persons with disabilities, we spoke of those negative societal attitudes, we spoke about employment and decent work. Indeed, we spoke about every key area that is of concern to us.

Madam Presiding Officer, as I close, I want to thank my colleagues on this side. I also want to thank Members of the Minority team for their contribution. We look forward not just for their support today but the concerns that you have with respect to implementation rest with all of us. It rest with all of us here, all of us in our various work spaces such that we could impact the lives not just of those persons who are differently abled but all our lives.

94 2018.05.24 ES 1.31 – 1.41 p.m.

I thank you. [Desk thumping] MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER: Leader of Assembly Business.

PROCEDURAL MOTION

LEADER OF ASSEMBLY BUSINESS AND SECRETARY OF INFRASTRUCTURE, QUARRIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Hon. Kwesi Des Vignes): Madam Presiding Officer, I beg to move that this House continues to sit until we complete the sitting today.

Question put and agreed to.

Motion proposed.

Question put and agreed to.

MADAM PRESIDING OFFICER:

This Motion is carried.

[Desk

thumping] ADJOURNMENT

Motion made: That this House do now adjourn to a date to be fixed.

[Hon. K. Des Vignes] Question put and agreed to.

House adjourned accordingly.

Adjourned at 4.29 p.m.