Editorial | Well done, Sarah!

Jamaica owes a debt to the late Sarah Newland-Martin, whose passionate campaign for disability rights has helped in many ways to change attitudes towards persons with disabilities.

Her death at age 75, on June 8, has revived memories of her spectacular accomplishments as an athlete and the ways in which she set aside her disability to send a message to society that disability did not mean inability.

Mrs Newland-Martin turned her own tragic experience of being abandoned at birth, because of her deformed legs caused by polio, into a mission of courage and inspiration.

Early in her life, she demonstrated what an inclusive society could look like when she competed in the Cross Harbour swim, undertaking a 2½-mile distance which was a challenge even to the average person. Clearly, Sarah was not an average person; for her courage and determination, she was named Jamaica’s Sportswoman of the Year in 1965.

Thereafter, she became a spirited competitor for Jamaica, winning an impressive haul of 40 medals as she participated in meets all over the world, including the Pan American and Paralympic competitions.

SARAH’S INFLUENCE

Scores of Jamaicans who came under her influence at the Young Men’s Christian Association, where she served as administrator and general secretary for nearly four decades, are living better lives today because of Mrs Newland-Martin’s work. From all accounts, she had a genuine interest in people, particularly those who were marginalised, and used her talent and influence to help at-risk youth and those who suffered from disabilities.

The tributes that have been pouring in since her death are not only about her pioneering work. She, in fact, led an amazing life and is remembered with deep admiration and profound respect by persons who knew her and whose lives she touched, both at home and abroad.

With her prosthetic legs being no hindrance, Mrs Newland-Martin fulfilled a number of important roles, whether in her Bethel Baptist Church community and, by extension, the Jamaica Baptist Union, as well as the World Council of Churches, where she was celebrated for raising awareness and for organising conferences and workshops; or within the disabled community, such as Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre; or as a member of a national committee, like the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission. Her legs and her ready smile were just part of who she was.

DEPRIVED OF A GREAT ADVOCATE

With her passing, the disabled community has been deprived of a great advocate. We acknowledge that the fight for social justice is a long way from being won for members of the disabled community. Though charitable organisations and non-profits can do much to help the disabled community, many of the improvements can only come from lawmakers.

For all the politicians who have paid tribute to the deceased, it is important that they remember to honour Mrs Newland-Martin’s memory by ensuring that the laws and the regulations affecting the disabled community are enforced in all aspects, and with full force.

Lest we forget, The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states that: “The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

Jamaica ratified this convention in 2007, which means that the country is an active participant in the global action considered necessary to promote, protect and ensure the preservation of the rights of disabled persons.

Though it took eight years after approval, the fact that the Disabilities Act came into effect in February 2022 must have given Mrs Newland-Martin enormous satisfaction.

Farewell, Sarah.