The Tribune

By RIEL MAJOR

Tribune Staff Reporter

rmajor@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development hosted a dedication ceremony yesterday to celebrate the Bahamas Association of the Physically Disabled’s newly paved driveway and veranda.

Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, who was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and Minister Frankie Campbell, who is directly responsible for the upgrades to the facility.

She said: “Today’s event brings attention to the growing demand of the meaningful public private partnerships. I am also grateful to the Department of Social Services for providing the staff to manage and care for the students and to the Ministry of Education for providing the teachers.

“Additionally, I’m thankful for the…qualified, competent board members and volunteers who give of their time and effort and their only aim is to improve their abilities and quality of life for the students. I encourage you to do your best.”

Mr Campbell said he was pleased to be present and a part of the BAPD upgrades. Mr Campbell said: “(Today) was important for me on a personal level because I’m satisfied but for the grace of God. . .any of us can find ourselves with some form of disability and so to be part of an occasion with persons with disabilities are being facilitated where access and inclusion is the centrepiece I’m just pleased to be here and be a part of this.”

Charlotte Albury, BAPD president, said the facility is not funded by anyone and having Mr Campbell upgrade the building is a dream come true.

“The government provides the staff for us, but we have to raise money in order to keep the BAPD open so having Minister Campbell do this for us is just unbelievable. The kids can now be dropped off in the rain, sun or rain it won’t hinder (them), and the back veranda is just beyond words,” she said.

“I don’t know what to say, the kids can get outside play on the new swings that we have, just get the fresh air that they need to grow and to be children that is normal as possible.”

Ms Albury made a plea to the general public to make donations or volunteer at the facility. She noted the students are in need of wheelchairs, mobiles for cribs, special spoons and bowls, a new fridge, a kitchen renovation and monetary donations.