BEING disabled isn’t a major setback for Ivory Duncan-Ragbeer, who is a people person. Coupled with a pleasant personality and infectious smile, she is well-suited for her role as an assistant cashier/public relations officer at the Guyana Shop.

The 34-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she had an accident when she was just 14 years old and lost her right leg.

It was difficult at first to accept that she was an amputee because she was young and could not understand her plight, but as she matured, she knew it was a part of her life she had to accept and move on with the reality.

Duncan-Ragbeer added that for the past three years she has been the cashier at the register of the Guyana Shop, a delight to meet, so helpful and sprightly to everyone she encounters.

She had worked in the office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) for 7 years, then returned to the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) last September.

Currently posted at the Guyana Shop as part of the Permanent Secretary Secretariat, she has also assisted in regular duties from 2018 to 2026.

Duncan-Ragbeer is outfitted with a prosthetic leg and does things normally, just like any person with real limbs, and, if it wasn’t for her slight limp, you wouldn’t know she is an amputee who uses a cane as an aid to walk.

For the past 20 years, she has been living as a person with a physical disability and is a member of the National Commission on Disability (NCD) and is engaged in activities to foster awareness.

She first started as a volunteer, gaining her first work experience, after which she was elected President of the group “Young Voices Guyana”, which she thoroughly enjoyed and became very involved in. This led her to travel overseas to spread awareness and also benefit from training opportunities.

As a person living with disability, she related that some things normal people would do are a challenge for her, but as a determined individual, she doesn’t let that disadvantage disrupt her life in any way.

As someone who deals with customers daily, she has the kind of personality well-suited to her job. She is the kind of person who would say the right things to cause you to smile and, for a minute or two, forget all your real-life troubles.

Duncan-Ragbeer added that being a customer service representative comes naturally, so the role isn’t a burden for her, and she operates normally.

She is the face you meet when making purchases at the Guyana Shop located at Robb and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, and she is ever so helpful when you ask for advice in buying products or where to find certain items.

At check-out, she is just a happy person who takes pride in her job and is kind to all despite her challenges.

Duncan-Ragbeer graduated in 2014 after successfully completing her degree in Communications from the University of Guyana (UG), and she chose that field because she loved writing, working with people, and the idea of journalism.

However, in an effort to establish a side business from her home, she recently launched an online venture, Gleeful Gems, where people can place online orders, and the products are sourced and delivered to them at pocket-friendly prices that won’t break the bank.

Gleeful Gems is an online side hustle for Duncan-Ragbeer, offering ladies’ accessories and clothing at reasonable prices.

Duncan-Ragbeer is a resident of Belle West, West Bank Demerara. She is married and basically enjoys her life to the fullest.

“As a person living with disability, I like to advocate for others living with disabilities and their rights, and she has represented them both locally and overseas with the NCD group called ‘Young Voices Guyana’,” she said.

The NCD plays a coordinating role in a multi-sectoral approach to helping persons with disabilities live full and productive lives.

To influence policy changes and the enforcement of laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

To be a major source of information on disability issues in Guyana.

The National Commission on Disability (NCD) is appointed by and accountable to the President of Guyana.

It was officially launched on December 10, 1997. The Commission, by an Act of Parliament in June 2010, is now governed by the Guyana Persons with Disabilities Act 2010 (Act No. 11 of 2010), which was assented to by President Jagdeo on November 2, 2010.

It comprises 12 members appointed by the Cabinet and selected by agencies and organisations. Sachin Persaud Photos saved in Graphics May 23, 2026 as Jofa Products folder