The visually impaired community is to benefit from a donation of almost 100 canes, courtesy of independent donor Samuel Burke of the Lighthouse Central Florida.
The gesture was acknowledged during a handover ceremony on Tuesday at the recreation grounds of the National Disabilities Unit’s headquarters, in Collymore Rock, St Michael.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs (MPEA), Deputy Permanent Secretary Mark Franklin expressed gratitude to Burke and his organisation for what he described as a generous gift.
“We are all aware that resources, especially finances, are often not available in unlimited quantities. Therefore, in order to ensure that we continuously strive to meet the greatest and most critical of needs, it is important that we partner when necessary with the private sector, other government ministries, non-governmental organisations, and individuals such as Mr Burke to meet the requirements of vulnerable categories of persons, such as persons with disabilities,” he said.
Franklin added that the ministry continues to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and are allowed to make contributions to society.
Burke, who is also visually impaired, was appreciative of the opportunity to support the community.
“The expectation is that these canes will be delivered to persons who have a need for them, and certainly that was my goal, and having achieved that, I feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment,” he said.
Giving details of the donation, he added: “There are about 75 adjustable canes, in varying sizes, from about three to five feet, with the sections being collapsible for easy access, like public transportation and mobility. Then there are about 20 or so of the supportive canes that persons can use for walking around.”
He acknowledged those who facilitated the initiative, giving special attention to advocate Kerryann Ifill, who is public relations officer for the National United Society of the Blind, Barbados.
Also addressing the handover ceremony, Ifill praised Burke’s generosity, noting, “Canes are not objects of pity; they are symbols of independence.”
Director of the National Disability Unit John Hollingsworth emphasised the practical significance of the donation, particularly for the 16 per cent of Barbadians who are visually impaired. He assured that the canes would be distributed to those most in need. (SM)
