A FEW months ago, the Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, assured persons from the Disabled People’s Network (DPN) in Bartica that the Town Council will assist them in getting a space for them to facilitate their meetings and workshops.

This promise brought hope to the lives of the people of DPN, since they would have expressed that they were in dire need of the assistance, and described the mayor’s promise as “a dream come true.”

It indeed was a dream come true for them, as the Mayor and Town Council came through with their promise and handed over the keys to a meeting room in the bottom flat of the Council’s building, First Avenue Bartica.

The mayor expressed that over the past two years, the Municipality of Bartica would have spent millions of dollars on capital projects in keeping with the green agenda, but he believes in striking a balance, in transforming not only the town, but also its people, including those who are differently-abled.

“While we continue to transform our landscape, we believe that efforts must be made to invest in our people who are our greatest resource. Consequently, in addition to our scholarship and community sensitization programnes, we have decided to empower our brothers and sisters who are differently-abled. Providing this space for their use is the first of many steps towards ensuring equality,” Marshall said.

He added that he believes that this group of individuals can contribute to the development of the town, and therefore must be given that opportunity. As such, the council will provide those opportunities in more ways than one.

“No longer should our differently-abled friends be excluded or shunned. We believe in the democratic pillar of inclusiveness and for this, we will work with the DPN for their part in development and our unwavering support is most definitely assured,” said the mayor at the handing-over ceremony.

Their efforts of assisting DPN were recognized by the Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, and she has since then donated two sewing machines to the group to aid in their skill development training. The sewing training is set to commence on Monday.

Chairman of the DPN, Godfrey McDonald, expressed heartfelt thanks to the council for coming through for them. He shared that on several occasions the group had petitioned for a permanent place to conduct their business, but to no avail. However, they are elated that the mayor has made provisions for them and the new space will be used to keep regular meetings, workshops, skills training and other activities in which the group can take part.
Mr. McDonald, who is visually impaired, admonished other differently-abled persons to know that there is ability in disability and that each of their lives have purpose. As such, he advised them to join the unit and get actively involved.

DPN has a membership of approximately 40 persons, ranging from age 6 to late 60’s, with disabilities in hearing, seeing, speaking, and with autism. Its purpose is to motivate and encourage its members to believe that they have purpose, to advocate for them to be active and not be dismayed, to teach them ways to help themselves and learn skills to make money. The group also assists in teaching persons how to take care of their differently-abled relatives or friends.