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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman with BNCD President Mrs. Sheila Culmer and the Minister of Social Services and Community Development the Hon. Melanie Griffin.
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Nassau, Bahamas - On Thursday, November 29, the Bahamas National Council for Disability (BNCD) held the official opening of its annual conference at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel under the theme, “Disability in Motion-Enabling the Mind, Empowering the Body.” The event included the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman and the Minister of Social Services and Community Development the Hon. Melanie Griffin who provided remarks as well as the mothers of children with disabilities who were honored for their selfless efforts.
In his remarks, Chargé Dinkelman congratulated the organization’s President Sheila Culmer and the members of BNCD for the important work they continue to do and pledged the Embassy’s continued support of the BNCD ongoing efforts works to improve access and promote inclusion for people with disabilities. The Chargé then applauded the parents of disabled children who were honored by BNCD for their exemplary dedication to their children and for ensuring that they have the opportunity to excel in spite of often overwhelming obstacles.
Chargé Dinkelman also emphasized that it takes a collaborative effort to ensure that the fundamental rights of people living with disabilities are upheld.
“While global progress on advancing the rights for people with disabilities has been impressive in recent years, there is more to be done -- both in the United States and The Bahamas -- to ensure full access and inclusion in all aspects of life,” said the U.S. Chargé. “I applaud the Bahamas National Council for Disability’s commitment to advancing the rights of Bahamians who are disabled and empower them to have greater control of their lives. Such efforts, combined with public awareness and government responsibility to deliver services and programs for persons with disabilities through education, training and employment opportunities, will lead to a stronger society where people with disabilities may more fully realize their hopes, dreams and ambitions.”
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