Climbing to the top of the Lighthouse was part of several activities for Blind Awareness Month, coordinated by the Guyana Association of the Visually Impaired (GAVI). And according to GAVI public relations officer, Mr. Owren Case, this was symbolic as the Lighthouse has always been a “beacon of hope” to many persons.
The climb was the first of its kind to be undertaken by the visually impaired.
Prevention, Preservation and Rehabilitation were the goals of GAVI during Blind Awareness Month celebrated in May.
The  activities planned throughout the country highlighted the plight of the visually impaired in Guyana. They focused on prevention by learning about the rudiments of eye care, preservation through regular check-ups, and rehabilitation for those persons who are already dealing with sight loss.
Speaking of the reason behind the climb up the Lighthouse, Case said, “We were inspired by President Jagdeo’s intense lobbying efforts towards the implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and we used the climb as a lobbying platform for our cause.”
Case indicated GAVI’s intention to continue to fight for the rights of the visually impaired in Guyana.
“We will be conducting an education seminar at the University of Guyana Campus during the month of June, specifically targeting persons from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Science and Technology,” he said.
He pointed out that since its establishment eight years ago, GAVI has been the voice of advocacy for the blind community and has been instrumental in seeking a better life for the visually impaired from all walks of life.
The PRO also lauded the efforts of the Guyana Society for the Blind which he recognized as being much older than GAVI.
He said, “We are using the Society as a model for our organisation and we recognize their work in laying the foundation for blind awareness.”
Other female members of the community who are visually challenged will also attempt to make the climb to the Lighthouse tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.