Leaders of the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association pay courtesy call on Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald. Pictured from left: Mrs. Cheryl Newell-Johnson, President, Bahamas Down Syndrome Association; Minister Fitzgerald and Mrs. Ida Poitier-Turnquest, Vice President, Bahamas Down Syndrome Association.

Nassau, Bahamas- The Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology met with Mrs. Cheryl Newell-Johnson, President and Mrs. Ida Poitier-Turnquest, Vice President of the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association on Wednesday 12 September, 2012. The organisation, which advocates for youth and adults with down syndrome, has been in existence for 22 years.

Minister Fitzgerald applauded the members of the association for their efforts to ensure that persons with down syndrome are not ostracised, but receive an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to society. He assured them that the government has made a serious commitment to special education and is ready to assist where possible. The Minister mentioned that plans are underway to form a committee to address the organisation of special education schools in The Bahamas.

Mrs. Newell-Johnson expressed her gratitude for the government’s willingness to embrace the cause of the association. She mentioned several initiatives that the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association has undertaken, namely, the establishment of a centre with 4 classrooms which opened in September of 2011; the creation of a database of persons with down syndrome in the country and the launch of a documentary about down syndrome in The Bahamas to be aired on Down Syndrome Awareness Day as recognised by the United Nations on March 21, 2013. Both Mrs. Newell-Johnson and Mrs. Poitier-Turnquest mentioned their excitement about the Adult Summer Programme that was implemented this year. The programme engaged over 20 adults. Activities and learning experiences included field trips, sports, baking, crafts, art, reading and language arts.