Cayman Islands approves policy to advance rights of disabled citizens, set foundation for law

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands _ The Cayman Islands has approved its first national policy to advance the rights of disabled citizens.

A statement from the British territory’s government on Wednesday said the disability policy has been authorized by the Cabinet. Among other things, it stresses equal rights for persons with disabilities and provides guidance on how to improve social inclusion.

Advocates say it sets a foundation for a hoped-for law to prohibit workplace discrimination and create a council to act as a watchdog. It’s not clear when a bill might be drafted, however.

Steering committee chairman Robert Lewis says the goal is to ensure “persons with disabilities live with dignity” in the three-island territory.

Last month, Jamaica passed a law protecting rights of disabled people, following similar actions taken in Bahamas and Guyana.