Shoucair urges Gov’t to step up support for children with disabilities
Published:Sunday | June 15, 2025 | 12:14 AM
David Shoucair is calling on the Jamaican Government and its state agencies to take a more active and accountable role in supporting children with disabilities, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaking out against what he described as the limited involvement of fathers seeking help from charitable organisations like Food For The Poor, Shoucair lamented the ongoing failure of Jamaica’s fractured family structures. He noted that the burden of caring for children with special needs often falls solely on mothers.
“Taking care of a special needs child is a lifetime of sacrifice of care, love, and attention. It has health and education responsibilities coupled with full-time care and attention. It becomes much easier and fosters a more comprehensive development for all when a family unit is intact and present,” charged Shoucair, manager of the Food For the Poor’s Mobility Unit.
He noted the hardships faced by lower socioeconomic families when it comes to the provision of food, medication, medical apparatus, physiotherapy, and special learning opportunities.
“The percentage of fathers [who seek help] is very low. Most fathers are not present, and in most cases, [they] are not contributing to the child or the mother. They seem to disappear in many cases when they father a special needs child,” he continued, noting that many fathers are turned off by the exorbitant cost of care. “There are, however, the ones who are taking a more active role, and we need to encourage and help them.”
Legal and moral responsibility
As a father himself, Shoucair stressed that while families have a duty to care for their children, the State also bears a legal and moral responsibility to ensure their well-being. He noted that in many cases, some basic resources are limited and committed overseas donors try to fill the gaps. Without them, he said, much of the local efforts would not have been possible.
“These are rights that the State is obligated to meet, and we must hold them accountable. Our schools, our hospitals, and our general public spaces must allow the safety and overall development of these children,” he charged.
“These are treasures of our Lord and we must care, love, and pray for them ... . We have to strive toward this as a society to have and apply sound moral and Christian values as we protect our children.”