-Minister Persaud tells UN conference

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Tuesday, reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) all across Guyana are included in response and recovery efforts following the initial onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister was at the time addressing the 14th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Saying that these efforts regard access to healthcare services, COVID-19 vaccination, education and social protection and public assistance, she noted that the government is making significant investment to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. In the 2021 national budget, $150 million was allocated for the construction of a training complex in a concerted effort to integrate persons with disabilities into the working world. This will allow them to have financial independence as well as protect their fundamental rights.
The training complex will be equipped with the requisite equipment and tools to facilitate upskilling, technical and vocational training and information technology opportunities, the minister said, adding that this will be complemented by funding opportunities for entrepreneurship.

She stated that this facility will provide PWDs with the opportunities to enter the job market in both the private and public sector. She stated that, in the public sector, government will work to ensure the PWDs are provided with equitable working circumstances, inclusive of equal pay for equal work.
“Government is committed to ensuring that the public sector provides adequate employment opportunities for persons with disabilities with emphasis on equal pay for work done and we consistently advocate for the private sector to follow suit. Our public awareness campaigns encourage the wider population to extend compassion, understanding and support to persons with disabilities,” Minister Persaud stated. Over the years, Guyana has made notable progress, through constitutional and legislative reform, to address the rights and needs of persons with disabilities. Minister Persaud noted that this progress will be enhanced by a review and amendment of the country’s Persons with Disabilities Act.
She noted that government is committed to collaboration with organisations supportive of the PWDs and highlighted government’s relationship with the National Disability Commission, where a subvention is provided to assist with its operations. The minister added that government will be increasing its support to groups, councils and associations that work with persons with disabilities. She also used the opportunity to emphasise that government remains committed to empowering persons with disabilities and will ensure their inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.