Deaf advocates call for official recognition of Jamaican Sign Language

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Deaf advocates are calling for the official recognition of Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) and greater public understanding of deaf culture, following a forum hosted by the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Guild Council. The forum, held on September 30, brought together more than 150 students, guests and members of the deaf community to discuss the importance of language recognition, accessibility and inclusion. The event also saw Member of Parliament for St Catherine Eastern, Denise Daley, donate $20,000 to the PAH! Deaf Dance Company. In a press release on Friday, organisers highlighted calls from advocates for Jamaican Sign Language to be recognised as an official language, noting its importance to the country's deaf community. Professional Jamaican Sign Language interpreter Antoinette Aiken argued that JSL should be recognised as a native language rather than viewed as a foreign form of communication. “Jamaican Sign Language is not a foreign language. It is used by people who are native to Jamaica,” Aiken said. She estimated that approximately 80,000 people use the language and argued that official recognition would help strengthen public awareness while reducing the need for repeated initiatives to educate Jamaicans about the deaf community. Fellow panellist and professional JSL interpreter Michalia Cowan challenged attendees to reconsider their motivations for learning sign language, stressing that communication and inclusion should be the primary reasons. “Don’t learn JSL out of pity,” Cowan said. “Learn it because, in a room full of deaf people, you would be the disabled one. Do yourself a favour and learn it so that you can communicate.” Cowan drove home her message by signing her final remarks without interpretation, demonstrating the importance of recognising sign language as a legitimate means of communication rather than an act of sympathy. The panel also featured Kamar Groves, a computer technician and deaf advocate; Carlyle Gabbidon, general and maintenance manager at Deaf Can! Coffee; and Dr Keren Cumberbatch, a sign language lecturer at UWI Mona. The discussion was moderated by Jamaican Sign Language interpreter and deaf advocate Eliaejah Harris, with interpretation provided by Danae Campbell, a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA). Among the organisations represented at the forum was the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN). The programme also featured a performance by Tianna Davis of the PAH! Deaf Dance Company, an International Dance Gold Medallist. Davis delivered a routine choreographed to popular Jamaican songs, using speaker vibrations to connect with the music and guide her performance. At the conclusion of the event, Daley presented a $20,000 cheque to the PAH! Deaf Dance Company in support of its work. The contribution followed discussions on the need for greater recognition, inclusion and practical support for members of the Deaf community. The forum was organised by the Guild's External Affairs Committee and the Vice President of Services and Special Projects Committee, Anthony Myrie, as part of efforts to promote awareness and encourage greater engagement with issues affecting the deaf community.