By Dillon Goring
MINISTER of Public Affairs in the Ministry of the Presidency, Dawn Hastings-Williams, said the Government of Guyana will continue to encourage persons living with disabilities to develop their craft and skills through entrepreneurial endeavours.

The minister made these remarks at a graduation exercise held on Wednesday at the David Rose Special School, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. Physically challenged persons from Regions Two, Three, Four and Five were taught computer skills, basic cosmetology and mat-making .

Minister Hastings-Williams told the graduands that “Persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) are synonymous with opportunities and that they have come to this world to make a difference.” Additionally, the minister publicly recognised the work of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), teachers, specialists and trainers, who contributed significantly to the graduates’ success.

The minister acknowledged that the government is not in a position to provide jobs for everyone, including persons living with some form of disability. She, however, made the point that the coalition government will continue to encourage persons, especially those living with disabilities, to become involved in maximising entrepreneurial opportunities to gain meaningful employment and job satisfaction .

Minister Hastings-Williams touted government’s achievements for persons living with disabilities and disclosed that government, through the Ministry of Communities Department of Housing, has been able to acquire house lots for some 150 persons. Additionally, the minister assured the graduands that government has a special interest in PLWDs and will continue to support them in their endeavours. She encouraged them to “dream big” and to press on, in order to achieve their goals.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BIT, Mr. Clinton Williams, in brief remarks, told the graduands that their disabilities are not obstacles to their success. He noted that the board continues to adhere to the United Nations policies pertaining to the rights of PLWDs and emphasised that the programmes are delivered to vulnerable groups in all regions of the country.

The National Training Programme for PLWDs was launched in 2006, with the objective of providing competence-based technical/ vocational training for the public and private sectors.