38 days too long Mr Manning!

THE EDITOR: It has been approximately thirty eight (38) days since the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the Disabled People International has been protesting outside the National Flour Mills compound for the creation of opportunities for the “differently abled” in our society.

Apparently, the sight of the “differently abled” protesting in the sun, rain, and wee hours of the morning is not creating the kind of psychological distress that it ought to, hence the lack of action on the part of those in authority. Their efforts thus far have not heightened the interest of the Government nor corporate citizens about the needs of this group. They are a group of persons with special needs and the Government and corporate citizens have a responsibility to assist them in satisfying these needs. When they ask for assistance they are not looking for handouts but they expect those in authority to create opportunities for them to be self-reliant so that they can contribute to their well being and not be a burden on the society. Mr Manning, I think that you have the power and the political will to assist in this cause, so why are you being so tardy! You have the power to introduce policies that can help the differently abled to be represented rather than under-represented in the workforce by creating employment opportunities.

What trends and conclusions did you draw from your recent survey re: the proportion of the differently abled currently represented in the workforce? Did the statistics reveal the extent to which the “differently abled” in society are under-represented in the workforce as a result of the absence of affirmative action programmes/policies? Why have you not introduced such policies to ensure that they are represented in the workforce? Are they not a large enough proportion of the electorate to warrant your attention? Is it that you believe that they can live on handouts for the rest of their adult lives and should not be earning a living like those persons who are not differently abled? Is it that you believe that they do not have career aspirations or the ability to pursue such aspirations as other members of society do?

Well Mr Manning I think that you should take cognisance of the fact that this group has friends, families and well wishers who are quite aware of the pains and sorrows they experience on a daily basis in trying to live as normal a life as possible in a society as ours where their needs are not recognised. They are noting the insensitivity with which your government treated with the issue of the differently abled, who are most in need of your help. Mr Manning, if you cannot take care of their needs, how can you take care of ours? Is this how you plan to “care for all communities?” I am sure that you know and will do what is morally good and right. Demonstrate that you are socially responsible and capable of being a good citizen by voluntarily introducing affirmative action policies to create employment opportunities for the “differently abled.”

AD
Arima