ADDRESSING a sensitisation seminar on the Disability Act 2012, yesterday, at the Police Officers’ Mess Hall in Kingston, Georgetown, Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee assured both the National Commission on Disabilities and persons with disabilities that the Home Affairs Ministry would not shirk its legally stipulated responsibility to them, but is eager to work with the commission in bringing the provisions of the Act to fruition in the shortest possible time. Emphasising that the ministry considers persons with disabilities equally worthy of receiving various services provided by the government — including those provided by the Home Affairs Ministry and its constituent agencies – the minister pointed out that, in responding to a request by representatives of the Guyana Association of the Visually Impaired (GAVI), he had convened a meeting on August 29 last year to discuss matters of concern to that association; and he deemed yesterday’s sensitisation seminar a product of those discussions.  

“Following that meeting, we immediately engaged the National Commission on Disabilities, as the national oversight body for disability issues, for further discussions,” he said.  

The minister related that while the seminar targets members of the Guyana Police Force, the National Road Safety Council, volunteers and road safety stakeholders, it is just as important for the wider society to be sensitised to matters related to persons with disabilities.

“It is important that citizens develop an appreciation for the circumstances of persons with disabilities. Too often, we receive complaints from persons with disabilities — including visually impaired persons being aided by the ‘white cane’ — about mistreatment meted out to them, and even refusal of entry on public transportation by operators,” he said, even as he alluded to the jeopardy experienced by visually impaired persons occasioned by vehicles being parked on pavements.

The minister said the pavements are intended for the safety of pedestrians, and he noted that the ministry has had cause to intervene in specific reports about this occurrence on Durban Street in Georgetown.
He urged all Guyanese, particularly motorists, to recognize the special circumstances of persons with disabilities, and to demonstrate greater care and consideration for them; and he urged members of the Guyana Police Force, particularly traffic ranks, to be more responsive to persons with disabilities whom they may encounter in the execution of their duties.