The Turks and Caicos Islands is truly a great place to live and my Government is ensuring that no Turks and Caicos Islander is left behind. As a part of my Government’s plan for an inclusive approach to national development, it is of importance that those with special needs are included especially with physical development which stresses the need for ramps, rails and other basic and essential aids that makes the lives of many easier.
Before we look forward we must look back and thank those who created the foundation which we now have in place. A firm foundation built on the needs of a people. Looking back at history, in 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3rd December as the International Day of Disabled Persons; today countries all around the world continue to celebrate this day.
Annually, the UN announces a theme. The theme for 2015 is: Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities. There are also three sub-themes this year:
• Making cities inclusive and accessible for all
• Improving disability data and statistics
• Including persons with invisible disabilities in society and development
The Special Needs Unit within the Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services focus is improving the collection of data and statistics in relation to persons with disabilities in the TCI in order to inform policies and the development of services based on needs,
The annual theme provides a framework for considering how people with disabilities are excluded from society by promoting the removal of all types of barriers including those relating to the physical environment, information and communications technology (ICT), or attitudinal barriers.
Leviticus 19:32 reminds us to “‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” My Government is committed doing the same. Today, the elderly can now say without a doubt, I am receiving my roses whilst I am alive. A year ago the new facility at the Wellness Center in Grand Turk was a dream and today it is nearing completion. This is the dream of many being fulfilled. A commitment was made and kept in accordance with the Government’s mandate that the elderly and those with special needs will be protected by the Government through enhanced policies. Other products and services will be rolled out in due course to better sensitize our community.
In order for the Government to create programs and put the necessary infrastructure in place throughout the length and breadth of the country for persons with special needs, it is important for the community to participate. I encourage all to get registered as this will allow us to know the needs of various persons within the community. We would therefore be better able to address person’s needs.
Registration drives will take place throughout the TCI commencing December 3, 2015 on Grand Turk with dates and times to be announced throughout the islands. No longer are certain services available to a few but through great partnerships such as those with the 1World Foundation, Seven Stars Hotel, Turks and Caicos Hospitals and others, children with special needs are being assessed and managed in country with the same techniques used in the United States. This action is a commitment to the people and for the people by this Government.
My fellow citizens and residents, we must rest assured that there are things men cannot accomplish but with faith in God, much is possible.
Isaiah 42:16
“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.”
