Kingston. August 26, 2025.

A common practice that the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) tries to observe in purchasing goods and
services, is to normally get more than one quote from providers and then make a choice. When
purchasing a service, quality, price and fit are the determinants in making the final choice. The JDC, like
any other organization or individual buying a service, reserves the right to make a choice of which
suppliers to use which are acceptable.

In the case of signing services, we consulted reputable representatives from the deaf community and
received a list of recommended interpreters from which to choose. We then made a choice that we felt
best balanced the needs of our audience and internal requirements. Unfortunately, the organization we
chose and agreed terms to provide interpreters cancelled just hours before the Social Issues Debate
without notice before we sent the signed contract. As a result, regrettably, the JDC had no option but to
proceed without an interpreter for our first debate on Saturday, August 23.

We have since revisited the options available and have secured services for the Economy Debate, tonight,
August 26 at 9pm. The debate, which will run for 90 minutes will have George Davis of CVM TC &
Nationwide News Network as moderator, Al Edwards of OUR Today (replacing Dashan Hendricks who
withdrew) and Andrea Chisholm of TVJ. Amoy Harriott will again moderate questions from social media.

The Commission also wishes to dismiss as unfounded and without merit any notion that politics played a
role in not having sign language services for the first debate last Saturday.

The JDC remains committed to providing the widest possible access to national debates for all Jamaicans.

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