Press Releases

Ambassador Siegel Supports Disability Council Efforts

March 18, 2008

Ambassador Ned L. Siegel met with the executive officers of the Bahamas National Council for Disability (BCND) at the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, March 12.  BNCD is an umbrella grouping uniting non-governmental groups working on behalf of disability rights in The Bahamas.  The Ambassador inquired about the Council's plans and needs for assistance in the coming year, and expressed support for the organization’s efforts on behalf of disabled people.  The Ambassador met with BCND President, Sherman Smith; immediate past president and Chairman of Special Projects, Sheila Culmer; Vice President Shadrack Rolle; Treasurer, Sherrie Fountain; and Secretary, Tamina Grant. 

President Sherman Smith informed the Ambassador about BCND’s ongoing efforts to secure passage of comprehensive legislation on disability rights to guarantee “equal opportunity” to all Bahamians.  As the State Department’s Human Rights Report 2007 noted: “There is no specific law protecting persons with physical or mental disabilities from discrimination in employment, education, access to health care, or in the provision of other state services.”  The Ambassador described the long struggle for disability rights in the U.S. and encouraged the BCND to persevere toward their goals, saying:  “Those who don’t have a voice often suffer.” 

Mr. Smith described the physical obstacles that confront disabled Bahamians every day, such as lack of clearly designated disabled parking spaces and wheelchair ramps.  He noted that very few buildings and public facilities – including hospitals – were properly accessible to persons with disabilities.  Among the many difficulties that face ordinary Bahamians every day, Mr. Smith noted that education for physically disabled children and youth was a major problem. 

The BCND leaders outlined challenges facing their organization, and thanked the Ambassador for the Embassy’s past support.  The Embassy has provided various forms of assistance to the BNCD, including office furniture, volunteer work, and contributions toward the purchase of a van for disabled people.

Caption:

Photo left to right:  BCND President, Sherman Smith; Secretary, Tamina Grant; Vice President Shadrack Rolle; Amb. Siegel; immediate past president and Chairman of Special Projects, Sheila Culmer; Treasurer, Sherrie Fountain; and Political Officer, Paul Jukic.