Latest update March 30th, 2025 6:57 AM
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Public Buildings now have a wheelchair ramp
Persons with disabilities could now access the ground floor of the Public
Commission on Disabilities’ Commissioner, Hilton Morris takes the inaugural trip up newly installed wheelchair ramp at Public Buildings
Buildings with ease owing to its newly installed wheelchair ramp.
This significant addition at the entrance of the historic building was commissioned yesterday, demonstrating Guyana’s commitment of including persons with disabilities in national development.
The erection of the ramp was initiated by Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman.
However, modifications to the structure have been recommended by National Commission on Disabilities’ Commissioner, Hilton Morris.
After taking his inaugural trip up the ramp, Morris suggested that the structure depth be extended so a person could wheel in comfort.
An appeal for other public buildings or offices to install similar features to easily accommodate persons with disabilities was made by Human Services Minister, Jennifer Webster.
According to Ms Webster, “As leaders, we have a right and a responsibility to recognize the importance of reducing the environmental barriers that hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities on our society.”
She stressed that persons with disabilities are deemed to be the most vulnerable in Guyana.
Citing the 2002 census, Webster noted that about 6.4 percent of the population comprises persons living with disabilities.
Though, persons with disabilities are productive citizens and should be afforded equal opportunities, many leaders of disability organizations have reported there are barriers to their being employed, Webster stated.
These barriers include inaccessible workplaces, limited training and educational opportunities, high transportation costs and cultural barriers.
She admitted that many children with disabilities are excluded by the inaccessibility of the school buildings.
It was noted that Guyana became a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, on April 11, 2007. That convention re-affirmed the universality, indivisibility, inter-dependence and inter-relatedness of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and the need for persons with disabilities to be guaranteed full enjoyment of life without discrimination.
Persons conducting businesses at the Public Buildings should be made aware that the ramp is not for cargo but for persons with disabilities.
Minutes after the ribbon cutting ceremony culminated, a truck opted to park in front the ramp, blocking access. This caused security personnel to rush into action.
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