The United Nations has launched a regional campaign to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities across the Caribbean, bringing together governments, employers, youth advocates and UN agencies under the theme «Break Barriers. Embrace Inclusion. Champion Rights.»
The HireAbility Campaign connects six UN Country Teams in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean and promotes disability-inclusive employment and the economic participation of persons with disabilities. Several leading businesses have already committed to equitable hiring practices and inclusive workplace cultures by signing a Disability Inclusive Employer's Pledge.
Simon Springett, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, delivered opening remarks at the official launch and described the initiative as «an important milestone for disability inclusion across the Caribbean.» He noted that the campaign evolved from «a powerful idea advanced by Zinzee Noel, a youth advocate and Grenada's representative on the UN Youth Advisory Group, to a Caribbean movement for inclusive employment and equal opportunity.»
«Although barriers differ across countries, the aspiration is universal: persons with disabilities must be able to participate fully in society, access decent work, contribute their talents and skills, and be recognized for those contributions,» Springett said. He thanked disability advocates, employers and Caribbean businesses, including Massy Stores Saint Lucia, Grenada Broadcasting Network, and photography and videography companies Unique Productions Inc. and Bajanpro Inc., for their leadership and support.
Noel, who co-hosted the event alongside Loik Charles, a youth disability advocate and UN Youth Advisory Group representative for Dominica, underscored the campaign's central message that persons with disabilities already possess the skills, qualifications, creativity and determination needed to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Reflecting on her own experience of facing discrimination despite being qualified, she said: «The HireAbility Campaign gives us an opportunity to change the conversation. Its message is simple but powerful: Break barriers. Embrace inclusion. Champion rights.»
Thomas Kring, Deputy Director of the International Labour Organization Caribbean Office, told participants that «access to decent work is not charity. It's about rights, dignity, equality and economic participation.» He described the Inclusive Employer Pledge as a public commitment to equitable hiring, dignity, respect and equal opportunity.
During the launch, representatives of Carenage Bay Holding Ltd in Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Runman Belize Corporation, and The Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited signed the Disability Inclusive Employer Pledge. Signatories outlined concrete actions they are taking, including plans by the Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited to launch an internship programme for persons with disabilities.
Charles urged employers and partners across the Caribbean to sign the Pledge, remove workplace barriers, strengthen partnerships and commit to long-term change that advances disability inclusion across the region.
A disability inclusion sensitisation webinar followed the launch, with presentations by the International Labour Organisation and the UN Population Fund offering practical guidance on inclusive hiring, workplace accessibility, reasonable accommodation, violence and harassment prevention, and supportive workplace environments.
The HireAbility Campaign will continue over the next four months and culminate on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, providing more employers with the opportunity to sign the Pledge. The campaign's ultimate goal is a Caribbean where talent is recognised, barriers are removed, and persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally in the world of work.
