Friday, March 29, 2024

Several steps forward

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As we approach the end of another year, the community of people with disabilities has much to reflect on.
Several achievements have been accomplished and we have moved several steps along the pathway to inclusion, but there are still many more miles to travel.
In keeping with the frenetic pace of the council, this year was filled with several activities which were designed to heighten awareness and improve the inclusion of people with disabilities in to mainstream life.
One of the main focuses for 2012 was the ratification of the United Nations Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities. The council embarked on a petition to encourage Government to ratify the convention and as a result delivered over 1 500 signatures to Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.
Senator Floyd Morris of Jamaica was our guest for a two-day period during which he was engaged in several meetings and public discussions aimed towards promoting awareness of the convention. The council also sent a contingent to the Conference of States Parties in September at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
It is with great satisfaction that subsequent to a meeting with our Prime Minister that the community of people with disabilities learnt that Cabinet would soon ratify this convention – which would be a landmark achievement in the history of our beloved country.
The Fully Accessible Barbados campaign continued to gain momentum. The programme expanded to include commercial properties and is set for further expansion in 2013.
As we turn our attention to the future, the Barbados Council for the Disabled renews its commitment to ensuring that Barbadians with disabilities are accorded the respect and inclusion which is our right.
With the increased incidence of violent crimes and vehicular accidents, as well as chronic diseases, the number of people with disabilities will continue to grow.
Not forgetting the fact that Barbados’ community of elderly people continues to grow, the services available to this group need to be constantly upgraded.
In 2013, the council will concentrate its efforts on improving public awareness and promotion of the Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities and continued work in the areas already under concentration.
All of the success the council has achieved over the years could not have been possible without the support of several people.
First and foremost are our affiliates who press us to strive even harder. The media continues to champion our cause.
Government and corporate Barbados enable us to work within the society, supporting us financially and in a variety of other ways.
The many individuals who in any way help us to spread our work, volunteer to stand behind us and with us; all of you contribute to making our work a success.
On behalf of our members, directors, staff and affiliates, the council wishes all Barbados God’s blessings for 2013.
In spite of the challenges which we all continue to face, may we all maintain the strength, dignity and unity necessary to overcome.

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