Topic: Disabilities Bill

Governor Helen Kilpatrick has approved a bill protecting the rights of disabled residents and visitors in the Cayman Islands. The Disabilities Bill, also known as the Solomon Webster Bill after a 24-year-old former Special Olympics athlete who was murdered, was unanimously passed by the legislature last month.

Cayman Islands lawmakers have approved 22 pieces of legislation in just seven days of meetings over the past two weeks. Some of the more controversial items on government’s agenda are due to come before the Legislative Assembly this week. All of bills approved so far still need a third and final reading in the Assembly, but that is largely a formality, and it is expected that all previously approved legislation will pass with few amendments.

Named for the slain former Cayman Islands Special Olympics athlete, the Disabilities (Solomon Webster) Bill proposes new legislation to protect the rights of disabled people and create a National Council for Persons with Disabilities and a voluntary disabilities register.