THE National Commission on Disability (NCD) held a consultation session aimed at drafting the NCD Strategic Plan for 2025-2029, with the goal of ensuring an inclusive future for all persons with disabilities. During the session, NCD Chairperson, Ganesh Singh, emphasised the shift in the commission’s focus, stating that while it had previously implemented smaller workshops and initiatives, the current landscape demands addressing larger issues related to legal compliance and equitable treatment for individuals with disabilities. “We have much, much bigger issues to fight, and that is ensuring that we have the legal compliance from the major stakeholders to ensure that we can have an equitable society for all persons with disabilities,” Singh remarked.

Adam Loyer, Head of Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission, highlighted that the session marked a continuation of collaborative efforts to create an inclusive environment for all individuals living with disabilities. “Canada is proud to continue our support for people with disabilities and partnering with the National Commission on Disability in this vital endeavour to ensure all Guyanese can live with dignity and fully participate in society,” Loyer stated. He noted that approximately 50,000 people in Guyana live with disabilities, underscoring the importance of collective efforts to remove barriers and create opportunities.

Loyer also announced that the High Commission had signed a sovereign loan of over $100 million with the government to support the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in its work with vulnerable groups. The aim is to transform the draft strategic plan into an actionable document with specific desired outcomes. By 2029, the strategic plan aims to improve policies and the regulatory framework concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, enhance employment and development opportunities, ensure consistent monitoring of the Persons with Disabilities Act, increase public awareness of disability issues, and ensure that disability programmes across both government and private sectors meet quality standards and achieve effective results.
The consultation session represents a significant step towards fostering an equitable society for persons with disabilities in Guyana, reinforcing the commitment of both the NCD and its partners to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all.