In a recent push to strengthen equity and access for marginalized communities across Dominica, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has convened a high-level meeting with the executive leadership of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD). The gathering centered on a wide range of pressing challenges that impact disabled people across the island nation, as both sides collaborated to map out actionable strategies to build a more inclusive society for all citizens.
In an official update posted to public social media channels following the meeting, Prime Minister Skerrit outlined that the discussions prioritized tangible, practical policy changes. Key among the priorities was expanding the representation of disabled voices in national policy development, ensuring that government decisions directly address the unmet needs of this population that has historically been sidelined from formal governance processes.
One of the most substantial proposals that emerged from the talks is currently under active review by the administration: the establishment of a standalone government department or specialized unit focused exclusively on disability advocacy. This proposed body would not only champion the legal rights and daily interests of disabled Dominicans, but also streamline coordination across government agencies for existing policies and community programs aimed at supporting the disability community.
Reaffirming his administration’s longstanding pledge to equitable governance, Skerrit emphasized that the government remains fully committed to sustained close collaboration with DAPD. The end goal, he noted, is to deliver substantive, meaningful systemic reforms that cultivate a national culture of inclusion, where every Dominican — regardless of ability — has equal access to opportunities and the ability to participate fully in all areas of public and civic life.