Dear Editor,
All across the world persons with disabilities are the poorest in the society. In Guyana the high cost of living is affecting persons with disabilities. Recently, there was an increase in the old age pension and public assistance benefits. The prices for basic food items in our local market are beyond the reach of most of the disabled population. Added to that is the cost of transportation; some minibus operators are however considerate and allow senior citizens and disabled persons to travel at a reduced cost or for free. Relatives and kind friends assist in times of dire need.
However, we have to endure further hardships and disrespect in transacting business in some government institutions. I recently had to pay a water bill of $15,000. This money was donated to me by a kind friend. When I went to pay the bill I was treated with great disrespect by one of the clerks at the Peters Hall GWI office. It was only with the intervention of another two employees that I left vindicated and with a little of my faith in humanity and the public service restored.
Persons who are attending to the public especially in service organizations should be properly trained, not only in the workings of their organizations but in the proper treatment of the public.
With the passing of our disability Act, the government and lawmakers should consider exemption of payment to certain utilities for disabled households in an effort to raise our standard of living and make life a bit easier.
Yours faithfully,
Laurie Greenidge
