Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee today called on all Guyanese to demonstrate greater care and consideration for persons with disabilities.
He was speaking this morning at a sensitization seminar for the Guyana Police Force, the National Road Safety Council and others on obligations to persons with disabilities.
“I take this opportunity to urge all Guyanese, particularly motorists, to recognize the special circumstances of persons with disabilities and to demonstrate greater care and consideration for them. Members of the Guyana Police Force, traffic ranks in particular, are also urged to be even more responsive to persons with disabilities who they may encounter in the execution of their duties”, Rohee said at the seminar at the Police Officers’ Mess Hall, Eve Leary.
In remarks released by his Ministry, Rohee added “I wish to assure the Commission and indeed all persons with disabilities that the Ministry of Home Affairs will not shirk its responsibility to you, as provided for by law.”
While the seminar targeted members of the Guyana Police Force, the National Road Safety Council, volunteers and road safety stakeholders, Rohee said it is important for the wider society to be sensitized on matters related to persons with disabilities.
“It is important that citizens develop an appreciation for the circumstances of persons with disabilities. Too often we receive complaints from persons with disabilities, including visually impaired persons being aided by the ‘white cane’ about mistreatment meted out to them and even refusal of entry on public transportation, by operators.
“We also hear about the dangers experienced by visually impaired persons as a result of vehicles parked on pavements, which are intended for the safety of pedestrians. The Ministry has had cause to intervene in specific reports about this occurrence on D’urban Street, in the city”, Rohee said.
