Expert Interpreter Alleges She’s Being Blacklisted from Political Debates

Prominent sign language interpreter, Antoinette Aiken is alleging that she has been blacklisted by the Jamaica Debates Commission, JDC.

The claim comes ahead of the second JDC organised debate, on economic issues, set for 9pm on Tuesday.

There was no sign language interpreter during the first debate, on social issues, held last Saturday at the studios of the Creative Production and Training Centre, CPTC on Arnold Road in St. Andrew.

Aiken, who has been in the field for almost 20 years, is often relied on to do sign language interpretation at the most important national events.

She’s also a staple at the weekly parliamentary proceedings, but was conspicuous by her absence from the first debate last Saturday.

The JDC did not enlist the services of any sign language interpreter for that event.

Aiken took to Instagram on Monday to address the issue.

Aiken argued against her exclusion, given the particular set of skills needed to provide interpretation services for a political debate.

According to the sign language interpreter, she was told that to participate in the debates she’d have to be in the background feeding signs to another interpreter.

Calls to the JDC’s Chairman, Brian Schmidt on Monday went unanswered.

Nationwide News understands a sign language interpreter will be present at Tuesday night’s debate on the economy.

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Security, Pearnel Charles Junior says sign language interpretation at the political debates is non-negotiable.

The minister is calling for greater inclusivity going forward.

Pearnel Charles Junior, Minister of Social Security.

And, advocacy group, Sign Clubs of Jamaica is raising concern about the absence of Sign Language interpretation during last Saturday’s national political debate.

The group says the lack of interpretation denied thousands of deaf Jamaicans the opportunity to assess the social policies being proposed by the two major political parties.

Sign Clubs of Jamaica says the exclusion of the deaf community from such a critical democratic exercise must not be repeated.

It is urging the Jamaica Debates Commission to prioritise accessibility by ensuring qualified interpreters are present on screen and included in official broadcasts.