DAPD concerned about persons with disabilities during the holidays

Murphy

Below is a Christmas message from the President of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD Inc.) Michael Murphy.

Christmas is upon us again, and as we celebrate this joyous season of goodwill, giving and sharing, we must focus our attention on the millions out there, who will not have the benefit of enjoying the celebrations, all because of the effects of disability.

As I deliver this Christmas Message on behalf of the Executive, Staff and Members of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities, (DAPD Inc.) allow me to again highlight some of the prevailing conditions, which continue to negatively impact the lives of persons with disabilities, causing them to not have, “a Merry Christmas” as the average citizen does.

My remarks are in keeping with the theme for INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (I.D.P.D.) 2011, which we celebrated on December 3rd, as well as our currant focus on getting Government to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development” was this year’s theme for I.D.P.D. The question must be asked. Is our society really prepared to make this happen?  Although Experience shows that when persons with disabilities are empowered to participate and lead the process of development, their entire community benefits, as their involvement creates opportunities for everyone – with or without a disability, yet their still exist numerous social barriers which prevent this from happening.

Including persons with disabilities and their communities in developmental efforts is important to advance the development agenda, and so, I must emphasize on the need for disability inclusive development cooperation.

It is imperative that development efforts include disability issues when determining policies, programmes, as well as allocating funds for developmental programmes and projects, since,  mainstreaming disability in development is a strategy for achieving equality for persons with disabilities.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is both a human rights treaty and a development tool, provides an opportunity to strengthen developmental policies related to the implementation of internationally agreed development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),   and We must also ensure that disability is an intrinsic part of the Millennium Development Goals and of all development programmes post 2015.

It is estimated that there are now one billion persons around the word living with disabilities, eighty per cent of which reside in developing countries.  They are largely excluded from civil and political processes and are overwhelmingly voiceless in matters that affect them and their society.

Furthermore, a quarter of the global population is directly affected by disability, as family members or care-givers.

This is all the more reason, why Governments around the world, should, without reservation, ratify the U. N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Let me therefore, at this season of Glad Tidings and Joy, make another impassioned plea to our Government to ratify this Convention. Until this is achieved, persons with disabilities will continue to   remain largely marginalized, disproportionately poorer, economically disadvantaged, and not enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others.

I extend a Blessed and Spirit-filled Christmas to all persons with disabilities, our benefactors, partners and associates, and look forward to a Productive, Prosperous and Progressive New Year.

Let us all work together, and contribute to the realization of a “society for all” in the 21st century.

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8 Comments

  1. Justice and Truth
    December 21, 2011

    Dominica of bygone years and today is totally a different country of people who are helping to make it a better and happier place specifically for the disabled.
    My heart is overwhelmed that today people with disabilities are being recognized and assisted more so than in previous years.
    They are all God’s children. They have concerns and wished that they had all their faculties. It is not easy for them.
    Only God knows why some of us have our entire faculty, so far, and others do not, even those who were born without.
    When you assist them you are aware that you bring a smile to their faces and easy their burden and pain. You make DA a better place for them.
    To all those who make Dominica a better and happier place for those whom we consider mentally and physically challenged, people with special needs, a special thank you for your effort.
    God inspires as He observes you godly actions. He is with you and is blessing you as you strive to assist His other people who are in need of. God bless you! Keep up the good work. Your reward is awaiting you in Heaven.
    A Blessed and Joyful Christmas to each and every one of you in DA. A Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year!

  2. obvious
    December 21, 2011

    It is nice to see that Michael Murphy finally cares for others especially those with disabilities. I hope that he does not try to discontinue their increments?

  3. Ple Bella
    December 21, 2011

    But de Mayor die non. Everybody sending Christmas message we not hearing him not even in the papers. Poor boy is he still drinking at the President’s punch party?

  4. UNTOLD STORIES
    December 21, 2011

    ONLY THE POOR THAT CARE BOUT THE POOR. WE DID NOT ASK TO BE BORN BUT THEN WHO CARES?

  5. Belle beff
    December 21, 2011

    This is the time for the parrot culture to get. in full throttle, you going and see them posting messages one by one,and you know they doe care jack chat with what they say ,action is the solution, and they na in dat.

  6. December 21, 2011

    HE IS ABANDONED IN A CONDITION THAT IS WORSE THAN RUBBISH BECAUSE RUBBISH GETS PEOPLE THAT ARE PAID BY GOV’T TO PICK UP THE WASTE MATTERS ;THEN DISPOSE IN A PROPER MANNER ,THIS YOUNG MAN HAS NO ONE TO PICK HIM UP ,CLEAN ,FEED , BATHE, CLOTHE ;GIVE HIM A PROPER DOCTOR VISIT, AND LAY HIM IN A PROPER AND CLEAN BED. IF HE COULD VOTE I AM CERTAIN THAT ONE OF THE SO CALLED REPRESENTATIVES ( POCKET FILLERS)WOULD HAVE FOUND OUT WHERE HE IS LIVING….WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND,EVERY THING HAS AN END WHETHER IT IS THROUGH DEATH OR LIFE…DISGUSTING PEOPLE…

  7. bone
    December 21, 2011

    Why dont they help the disabled boy in Portsmouth?? Curtley??? SMH!!

  8. Papa Way
    December 21, 2011

    HELLO, HELLO??? Is anybody there??? How about Curtley Joseph??? He’s got a disability???

    Merry Christmas!!!

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