The Queenstown, Essequibo Coast Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre is working to build its membership so that all of the region’s differently-abled persons can be accommodated.

According to a December 20 press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) Adviser Lloyd Griffith said the centre is using all of its resources to reach persons in the region who have not participated in its programmes. The centre hosts a number of courses, including numeracy, advocacy and literary skills, HIV/AIDS workshops, craft workshops and catering programmes to equip participants with the means to become self-sufficient.

Additionally, GINA said, every year, the centre participates in an awareness walk as part of the International Day for the Disabled activities and, this year, members walked from Onderneeming to Middlesex. Griffith said the group’s participation in the walk has spurred members of the wider society to become involved in its programmes to develop the capabilities and competences of the members. Griffith said plans are in train for the centre’s participation in the national disabled conference which is scheduled for April.

GINA said the centre is the first constructed in the region to benefit differently-abled persons. It was built at an estimated cost of $6M and President Bharrat Jagdeo committed a $500,000 annual subvention to its promotional activities. The centre was built in 1993 and operates in seven regions. Other centres, including the one at Port Mourant, Berbice, are funded by non-governmental and international organisations.