The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

WHILE it may be “difficult” for the private sector to comply with the recently passed Disabilities Bill, business owners know it is “the right thing to do,” a Chamber of Commerce official said yesterday.

Peter Goudie, director of the employment and labour division at the Chamber, said he fully supports the Bill and he is pleased that the Bahamas is one of the first countries in the region to understand that the handicapped “are customers too”.

The Persons with Disabilities - Equal Opportunities Bill was passed in the House of Assembly last week. It writes into law the protection of the disabled and will enforce harsh penalties on offenders.

The legislation makes clear that any person or entity who breaks the clauses outlined concerning employment, discrimination by employers, health care, education, credit and insurance among other things will be subject to a fine up to $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both. Building owners will have two years to modify their facilities and six months to make changes to parking lots to make accommodations for the disabled.

Mr Goudie said he feels the government will have “a little more work to do” than the private sector to get buildings and sidewalks up to par with the new regulations.

“The businesses have got two years and if they are struggling to get it done within that time they can come to the (Chamber’s) committee and request additional time, it will be a little difficult for some, but it is doable,” he said.

“I think quite often businesses forget that the handicapped are their clients as well and they have to accommodate every customer. It will be an extra expense for some offices, but at the end of the day it is the right thing to do. We are the first of any country in the West Indies to acknowledge the disabled, they were ignored for a long period of time. We often go to the United States and Canada and see it done so easily then come here and see how there are not rules.

“This bill is very helpful and important to a big part of our population. The government will be the hardest hit, they have sidewalks and buildings to fix, but they know this and have acknowledged it. But if there are some businesses that find it too hard they can make a plea with us, but they will have to prove that they need an extension.”

According to the Bill no person shall deny a person with a disability equal access to opportunities for suitable employment. A qualified disabled person shall be afforded the same terms and conditions of employment and the same compensation, privileges, fringe benefits, incentives or allowances as qualified able bodied employees.

The Bill will also establish a national commission for the disabled capable of suing and being sued, acquiring, holding and disposing of movable and immovable property. The commission will consist of 15 persons to be appointed by the minister.

Opposition Members of Parliament fully supported the passing of the Bill. It will move onto the Senate for further debate and approval.