President of the Blind Welfare Association, Deonarine Ragoo, is advocating for legalisation that will protect and uphold the rights of persons with disabilities in Trinidad and Tobago.
Speaking at the Rapid Fire Kidz Foundation and Republic Bank Ltd Glasses Distribution Ceremony on Sunday, he stressed the need for equality and called for action through the law.
“We cannot sit down and wait for the sympathies and attention of public officials or private bodies or institutions. Actions must be driven by law, and that is why we strongly advocate for legislation. We are hopeful that in the new year this legislation will be brought to Parliament so the playing field can be levelled for all citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Mr. Ragoo is also calling on the government to implement the Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is a requirement and a commitment made via the Charter of Rights for Persons with Disabilities.
“This, we believe, again, will create a stronger institutional framework to ensure that the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago and indeed the United Nations Charter Convention is fully and effectively implemented. So if these things are implemented in the new year, we believe that we can achieve a lot more.”