The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

STIFF penalties will be levied on persons or businesses not in compliance with the new disabilities legislation, according to government officials.

However, Leonard Cargill, chief disability affairs officer in the Department of Social Services, said it is still unclear whether the laws will be fully implemented at once, or phased in.

"We understand that the government cannot enforce all of it at one time," Mr Cargill said.

"I know some of the NGOs [non-governmental organisations] are saying they want it all done at one time but we are not quite sure if the government will be able to do it.

"That's something that's still up in the air, whether they will bring it into force with all the penalties immediately. They have to consider the cost of the legislation," he said.

The new laws will include regulations governing employment, discrimination and building codes affecting disabled persons, according to Mr Cargill, who noted that existing laws are not enforced.

Mr Cargill said: "We are hopeful with the passing of the legislation all of the concerns of persons with disabilities will finally be addressed.

"We've gotten contributions from all of the various NGOs in regards to their views and concerns and we've used that information to guide us in putting forward a legislation that is comprehensive and doesn't leave anybody out."

The stigma attached to disabled persons is further intensified by the lack of resources and infrastructure, according to community leaders, who underscored the need for immediate action to address long-standing issues.

Mr Cargill said: "We face a considerable amount of (discrimination) complaints and experiences with inadequate access. We have our building code now which is supposed to address these issues but not really, it's not upheld."

He added: "In terms of discrimination, any kind of thing like that will be punishable, the legislation addresses that thoroughly, there will certainly be no room for that in the Bahamas."