Gov’t committed to support of people with disabilities

There’s a suggestion the estimated numbers of people with disabilities in Barbados could climb significantly when the 2022 Census results are eventually released.

It’s coming from former Chairman of the Advisory Committee to guide the establishment of a commission for improving the lives of persons with disabilities, Edmund Hinkson.

He was speaking during the 63rd Charter Breakfast of the Lions Club of Bridgetown at The Grill at the Estates at St. George.

He says the last official numbers from the 2010 Census revealed 11,500 people were living with disabilities in Barbados at that time, but he estimates the newest figures may be double that number or more.

Mr. Hinkson says Government has shown its seriousness about addressing the issues affecting the island’s disabled.

This is reflected, he says, in Cabinet last week approving the Draft Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, produced by his Committee.

According to him, it comes after more than 10 months of consultation across the individual, civil society and political landscapes.

Mr. Hinkson, a lifelong disabilities advocate and member of the Lion’s Club, also used the opportunity to laud the Club for its work in assisting people with disabilities over the years, and urged them to continue to give attention to such important issues going forward.

He specifically commended the Club for its election of President Megan Davis-Vaughn, who is blind.

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