SVG to sign UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

St Vincent and the Grenadines will sign the United Nation’s (UN) Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and remains committed to the cause of such persons.{{more}}

Rosetta Snagg, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, which has the responsibility for the disabled, has given this assurance.

Last Saturday, at the Annual General Meeting of the National Society of Persons with Disabilities (NSPD), feature speaker, Parnell Campbell said that St Vincent and the Grenadines had not yet signed the UN convention, which was open for nations’ signature since May this year.

Campbell said that as of last Wednesday, November 7, when he last checked, 101 nations had signed on to the convention.

He said that he is confident that St Vincent and the Grenadines will eventually sign on, but challenged the Government to do so by December 3, which is the International Day of Disabled Persons.

Campbell noted that while some conventions sit at the UN for years before being ratified, this has not been the case regarding this convention, which looks out for the welfare of disabled persons.

However, Permanent Secretary Snagg, said that there is no need for any worry, because Government has the very intention to sign on to, and implement, as much as possible, the requirements of the convention.

She said that her Ministry was in the process of holding discussions with the stakeholders, to ensure that once it is signed, the convention will not just be a symbolic thing, but implemented; practically and positively impacting on the welfare of persons with disabilities.

“I don’t think however we will get through to have it signed by December 3,” Snagg said, adding that she rather not give a deadline.

“The intent is there, we are not going to rush, but go through the proper process,” said Snagg.

She also noted that no effort will be spared by her ministry to look out for the needs of persons with disabilities, including pushing for more financial assistance for their causes.

“We will be looking for more aid in the budget,” she assured those concerned. (KJ)