A PROMISING collaboration is taking shape between the Ministry of Labour and the National Commission on Disability (NCD) to empower persons with disabilities (PWD) and equip them with skills for employment.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton recently hosted a courtesy visit from NCD members at the Brickdam ministry, where they discussed a framework for implementing vocational and skills training programs specifically designed for people with disabilities.

This initiative will be spearheaded by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), aligning with the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for ALL citizens, as outlined in the administration’s manifesto.

It also fulfills obligations set forth by the Persons with Disabilities Act, which mandates collaboration between the Labor Ministry, Human Services Ministry, Culture Youth & Sports Ministry, and Education Ministry to design and implement skills training programs for persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, the partnership extends to hosting a job fair for people with disabilities in Region Four. This collaborative effort by the Labour Ministry’s Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) and the NCD will welcome applicants from Regions Three, Four, and 10 and is scheduled before the first quarter of 2024.

“This approach is consistent with the government’s efforts to empower persons with disabilities with the necessary tools they may need to be self-sufficient,” Minister Hamilton emphasised.
By providing appropriate vocational training and facilitating access to employment opportunities, the government aims to ensure that people with disabilities can compete for productive and remunerative jobs.

The meeting that paved the way for this collaboration was attended by key figures from both organisations, including NCD Chairperson Ganesh Singh and Executive Secretary Beverly Pile.
This joint effort signifies a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for people with disabilities in Guyana.