Two sign language interpreters confirmed for leadership election debate

The Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) is advising the public that two sign language interpreters will be providing interpretation at tomorrow’s leadership debate between Jamaica Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, and People’s National Party President, Mark Golding.

The commission notes that the interpreters are from the deaf community.

Sign language interpretation has been a vexed issue during the election debates.

There was no interpreter at the first debate last Saturday, and some online users have criticised the sign language interpretation during Tuesday night’s debate.

Noting that the interpreter had offered to assist at the last minute to ensure services were available to the Deaf community, the Commission thanked her for her work at the event.

Looking ahead, the Debates Commission says it is ready for tomorrow’s leadership debate.

Holness and Golding will face questions from journalists Dionne Jackson-Miller of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group and Giovanni Dennis of CVM Television, as well as from members of the public via social media. The debate will be moderated by Amoy Harriott of CVM TV.

Archibald Gordon of TVJ will also serve as moderator.

The debate starts at 9:00 p.m. and will run for 90 minutes.

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