SVG Parliament Breaks New Ground with Sign Language Interpreter 

By Val Matthias. Updated 4:44 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

History was made on February 9th, 2026, in St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) as the Budget Session of Parliament featured a sign language interpreter for the first time, ensuring that citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing could follow the proceedings in real time.

The interpreter’s presence marks a significant step toward inclusivity in national governance. 

Advocates for disability rights have long called for measures to make parliamentary proceedings accessible to all Vincentians. Today’s development was widely hailed as a milestone, aligning SVG with international standards of accessibility and reinforcing the government’s commitment to equity and transparency.

The move comes at a critical time, as the government presents its EC$1.885 billion budget for 2026, outlining priorities for education, health, infrastructure, and economic growth.

By introducing sign language interpretation, Parliament has broadened participation in these national debates, ensuring that no group is left behind. 

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