Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 03, 2011 News
Almost seven percent of the Guyanese population suffers from a disability of some sort, representing approximately 50,000 individuals. However, even as the world over, Guyana being no exception, prepares to commemorate International Day of People with Disabilities today, the National Commission on Disability is reminding that every Guyanese has a significant role in the implementation of the Persons with Disability Act.
Guyana first celebrated International Day of People with Disabilities last year by the signing of the Persons with Disability Act, forever enshrining the rights and freedoms of the disabled population in law.
The Guyana Constitution mandates the state to “take legislative and other measures” designed to protect disadvantaged persons and persons with disabilities.
President Bharrat Jagdeo was tasked with signing the Persons with Disabilities Act which provides for equal protection under the law. The act stipulates that “the National Commission on Disabilities shall comprise 12 members appointed by the president; it charges the commission with advising the government, coordinating actions on issues affecting persons with disabilities, and addressing implementation and monitoring of the act’s provisions.
Regardless, lack of appropriate infrastructure to provide access to both public and private facilities made it difficult for persons with disabilities to be employed outside their homes.
The legislation also speaks to the rights and freedoms of people with disabilities and focuses on seven key rights including the rights to education, health, independence, employment, recreation and participation in the political process and access.
Today, the observation will be characterised by the National Commission on Disability calling on members of the public to remember their role in the implementation of the crucial legislation and to ensure “we are all working for and alongside persons with disabilities to achieve inclusive, sustainable and equitable development in Guyana and attain together a better world for all.”
This call is in accordance with the theme of the day which states that “together for a better world for all including persons with disabilities in development” reminds us to be inclusive in our planning for the development of Guyana’s future and work together for an improved life for all of us.”
Administrative Officer of the National Commission on Disability, Mrs. Beverly Pile, is urging that all members of the population use the international Day of Persons with Disability to reflect on the rights in the legislation and think about what they can do to make sure “we are working together for a better world.”
She brought into question the accessibility of business places to persons with disability, whether employers should employ persons with disabilities and promote their financial independence.
Are disabled persons included in community social gatherings and events, whether normal children are welcoming and supportive to those with disabilities? And what can be done to foster inclusive development and equal rights?
The National Commission on Disability, which falls under the Ministry of Health, is a Presidential Commission responsible for the implementation and monitoring of policy on people with disabilities and for the protection and fulfilment of their rights and was the driving force behind the formation of the legalisation.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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