JDC denies politics behind no sign language at first election debate, interpreter secured for tonight’s debate
Published:Tuesday | August 26, 2025 | 5:50 PM
The Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) says it rejects claims that politics played a role in the absence of sign language services at the first election debate last Saturday.
Hours ahead of tonight’s second debate, the commission, in a media release this afternoon, called the allegations “unfounded and without merit.”
It explained that it consulted reputable representatives from the deaf community and received a list of recommended interpreters from which to choose.
It said it then made a choice that it felt best balanced the needs of its audience and internal requirements.
“Unfortunately, the organisation we chose and with which we agreed terms to provide interpreters cancelled just hours before the Social Issues Debate—without notice—prior to the signing of the contract. As a result, regrettably, the JDC had no option but to proceed without an interpreter for our first debate on Saturday, August 23.”
The debates commission said it has since revisited the options available and secured sign language services for tonight’s election debate on the economy.
It said it remains committed to providing the widest possible access to national debates for all Jamaicans.
Tonight’s debate starts at 9:00 p.m. and will run for 90 minutes.
George Davis of CVM TV and Nationwide News Network will serve as moderator, with Al Edwards of OUR Today (replacing Dashan Hendricks, who withdrew) and Andrea Chisholm of TVJ posing questions.
Amoy Harriott will again moderate questions from social media.
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will be represented in the team debate on the economy by Fayval Williams, Dr Christopher Tufton, and Dr Dana Morris Dixon.
The People’s National Party (PNP) will be represented by Julian Robinson, Peter Bunting, and Kisha Anderson.
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