RESA hails govt plan for accessible beaches

The disabled community has welcomed a government initiative to upgrade public beach access, describing it as a long-awaited step towards genuine inclusivity across the island.

At Folkestone Marine Park in St James, representatives of the disabled community on Wednesday praised what they described as a meaningful move towards a more inclusive Barbados, as the government prepares to outline plans to rehabilitate beach access areas nationwide.

Speaking ahead of a press conference to be hosted by the Minister of the Environment, National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, Adrian Forde, Secretary-Treasurer of the Rehabilitating Enabling Society for Amputees (RESA), Antoinette Chandler, said the initiative signals progress long anticipated by persons with disabilities.

“Good morning to beautiful Barbados and the disabled community,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to be here this morning, and I feel very, very excited for this new round.”

Chandler explained that improved beach access aligns with a broader vision being championed by disability advocates.

“It is something that the Barbados Council of the Disabled is looking forward to because, FAB — fully accessible Barbados — is what we’re aiming for,” she said, noting that access remains a major issue for everyday activities. “We share access to almost everything, buildings and able to get to do things that we want to do.”

She pointed out that demand for inclusive infrastructure continues to grow, making projects such as the current beach access rehabilitation especially significant.

“The disabled community is on the rise,” Chandler said. “We are coming out to see, to live, get back to doing what we want to do, what we love to do.”

Describing the beach access works as an important beginning, she added: “So this is a start for us, and we accept everything that is going on for us.”