Gov’t gives financial support to Barbados Down Syndrome Association

Not only did Barbadians show their support for persons living with Down Syndrome here on World Down Syndrome Day on Monday, but the group lobbying for inclusion received financial support from Government.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey joined in activities marking the day and presented the Barbados Down Syndrome Association with $30,000 to boost its work.

He praised the work of the association and stressed that his Ministry would continue to support and partner with groups that assist the vulnerable.

“We determined that if Barbados is to be a truly inclusive society then we must do more to make it a reality. We keep speaking of a fully accessible Barbados and that must mean something real and big. Being able for people to live their lives in dignity and just being able to have their rights respected,” he said.

President of the Barbados Down Syndrome Association Asha Alleyne-Renwick welcomed the support.

“We are excited about the generous contribution that is being made to the association so that we can further our mandate in helping members and our children and adults with Down Syndrome in Barbados,” she said.

In a separate interview with Barbados TODAY, Alleyne-Renwick said she was pleased with the overwhelming support of Barbadians who purchased multicoloured socks from the association and resulted in stock being sold out by the weekend.Across Barbados, students and workers wore brightly coloured and patterned socks as they took part in the Rock Your Socks campaign that was part of celebrations across the globe which are held on March 21, in recognition of the uniqueness of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome.

“We are happy with the support we have seen in the schools, the nurseries, the government institutions and corporate Barbados who have all come out again this year to rock our socks to raise the awareness for disability as a whole. This means the world to us where to have a disability or to have Down Syndrome was looked down upon,”
Alleyne-Renwick said.

She said that in keeping with this year’s theme, Inclusion Means, the association was fighting to eliminate discrimination against people with the condition.

“There was a Barbados years ago where to have a disability was really looked down upon and the discrimination was very present. We are hoping to relieve some of that discrimination, all of it, and move towards a more inclusive society and be able to provide a lot more for our members,” she said, adding that the association is hoping a lot more support is given to those with Down Syndrome to have them included fully into society.

Meanwhile, President of the Barbados Association For Children With Brain Injury Marcia Brathwaite was also happy to see the support for World Down Syndrome Day. (MR)