The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

TWO government Members of Parliament yesterday made a case for the construction of a new Parliamentary complex as they debated the Persons with Disabilities - Equal Opportunities Bill in the House of Assembly.

Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin and State Transport Minister Hope Strachan pointed to the inability of many disabled people to sit in the House of Assembly because there is no elevator to get to the second floor.

Scores of disabled people were forced to sit outside underneath a tent yesterday as the Bill was debated.

“If ever there was a case for a new House of Assembly, if you didn’t believe anything else or anything else anyone says, the case has been made today for a new House of Assembly,” Mrs Griffin said. “There are persons with disabilities who are unable to access and have their voice heard in this House.”

Ms Strachan said the government had an obligation to take the lead in making major structural changes to state owned buildings and facilities in light of the legislation.

She said: “We here in this House of Assembly must fall in line or suffer the moral and legal consequences of a failure to comply. A new House of Assembly is on the way. It’s either that or some really expensive and creative engineering will have to take place to bring this building into compliance. A word to the wise is sufficient.

“Aside from changing attitudes, treatment, approaches, policies and practices of persons with disabilities, the Bill mandates an infrastructural revolution and revised building code for the public and private sector in this country. It is critical that the government must take the lead in ensuring compliance with legislation. There is no doubt about it. The government will have to commit to implementation to the mandates under the provisions of this Bill.

“Adaptation to the adjustments of buildings will significantly increase expenditure on the part of the government. That is a fact but we have a Christian obligation and any commitment to this is money well spent.”

The House passed the legislation last night. It now moves to the Senate for debate and passage.