One year after its President announced that the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD)’s unpaid wages had hit a EC$ 21,000 mark and made a plea for an increase in government’s subvention, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
On Tuesday Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit handed a $20,000 cheque to the association at an event observing International Day for Persons with Disabilities and the end of the DAPD’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Skerrit also promised government’s assistance in paying the salaries of two staff members at DAPD’s office
“I also know that you have issues sometimes in meeting your emoluments. I have been advised that you have three officers employed at the office,” he said. “The government will be responsible of paying the salaries of two officers at the office.”
The prime minister applauded the DAPD saying to establish and sustain an organization for 30 years is by no means a minor achievement.
“This is particularly commendable in your case as you started out as a largely voluntary association; you therefore have much cause to celebrate and to thank God and the benefactors for having sustained the DAPD throughout this period,” he said.
He said that DAPD’s advocacy has assisted in raising the awareness of Dominicans on the plight of persons living with disabilities.
The Prime Minister also recognized the late Reginald Rolle for being what he described as “a lone voice in the wildernesses.” Rolle worked at the DAPD for many years.
He promised that government will appoint an officer, in the new year, to look at the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with a view of implementing it.
“As you are aware, government ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities on October 1, 2012. This signals the seriousness with which government attaches to treating with the issues that affect those living with disabilities,” he pointed out.
He noted that at “the last meeting with cabinet, it was agreed that the ministry of social services and gender affairs, would meet with representatives of the DAPD, to map out a plan of action for implementing relevant provisions on the convention on the short, medium and long term.”
“I trust that progress has been made with the engagement with the staff in the ministry, and that I can look forward to receiving a joint recommendation at the soonest,” the prime minister said.
Ha don’t let that fool all u that candy money this like 10,000 Canadian dollars, do u think that can help people with disability
, I work with these people , and it a lot to spend on them ok hahahhhahhahahahhhahhhahhh
hn yesa now he see the needs the people.my question Is why now? whu couldn’t he do all that last year amd all the year he was in power? why now? to fool the people cause election coming
He is the “Prime Minister” why all that money keep passing through his hands as though he is a businessman in the private sector? Looks like a one man show to me. He hasn’t got one once of prudence.
Correction – One ounce of prudence.
That’s what Lennox jealous of.
De cashier once again doling out more cash.
stop your foolishness at least for the disabled???? oh for Christ sake
you all never see good in anything that is done and you wonder why you will remain in the yard.
LE bon~ D E Bou. Win, loose, or draw, we have to say thank you to our pm for reaching out to all those who are in need. As a nation the way we treat persons with disabilities will determined how our own lives evolves. Knock the “PM” on that one and you heading straight to “HELL” Thanks again.
that’s his duty
God has a special place for you my PM.
@ Koyay. And where is that? do you know? God only has one place. All the other places are for the devil.
This is nothing more than a pre-election give away. Skerrit and Harley Henry are convinced that things are so bad in the country that now is the time to play Santa Claus. So I’m calling on organizations and individuals who were promised donations from Skerrit, now is the time to cash in .Lancelot just got for his Respite House in Portsmouth and I’m sure there are others on the list. Take the pre-election money because it’s our tax dollars he’s playing his political games with. Just remember these funds are not coming from the bank account of Skerrit, they never were and never will
Shouldn’t you be reading you books? To me you are the same person that was commenting saying your school fees are not paid at UWI. Study that, not the PM. I hope you got to do your exams.
Very good initiative….no politics now.
Jah bless the hand that giveth..To the needy,the disable,the children,and the elderly.Keep up the good work Skerro.While they(UEP) blablaing and liming COAST TO COAST,keep on working.Labour shall not be moved!
once again SUPERMAN AKA “Skerro” Saves the Day!!!!