The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL disabled persons yesterday renewed their call for a definite timeline on when equality legislation will be brought to parliament.

Members of the Bahamas National Council for Disability (BNCD) agitated for systemic reform against discrimination that has severely impaired their mobility and independence at a press conference to solicit sponsorship to attend a conference in Florida.

Wentworth Sears, a 45-year-old T-shirt vendor, said he cannot take a bus from his home in Sir Lynden Pindling Estates to his Bay Street booth because bus drivers on the 21a route refuse to stop for him.

Instead, Mr Sears said he often walks to the Carmichael Road area, where familiar bus drivers are more likely to stop for him. He said he primarily uses his bicycle, but the commute is difficult.

Yesterday, Mr Sears said he was thrown from a bus more than four years ago and has since campaigned for a unified bus system, which he feels will reduce the dangerous levels of competitiveness and rife discrimination.

Mr Sears, the father of a six-year-old girl, said: “People say I’m always making noise, and I appreciate that the government is doing a lot of work. But it’s not like I’m begging for anything, I work, I provide for my family. I’m a Bahamian, I do everything a Bahamian does. I just want to feel as if I am a Bahamian, and be treated like a Bahamian.”

Organisers hope to send a team of 20 participating members to the 2014 Centre for Independent Living of Broward ADA Expo in July.

According to BNCD Treasurer Altomease Major, the group needs an estimated $10,000 to cover travel and accommodation.

The annual showcase features educational workshops, sports programmes and demonstrations on the latest adaptive technologies for disabled persons.

Samuel Strachan, a 53-year-old blind BNCD volunteer, said he was looking forward to experiencing the luxuries - basic access rights - enjoyed by the American disabled community.

CIL’s Broward chapter has extended an invitation to allow Bahamian representatives an exhibition booth to display and sell crafts. Ms Major, the BNCD treasurer, said the Ministry of Tourism has agreed to provide support for booth decorations.

Edvenna Major, a 26-year-old artist, said she is looking forward to the experience that will afford her an opportunity to showcase her work internationally and learn about ways to empower her local community.

Ms Major said she has been producing craft work for eight years and sells her work under her brand “Edvenna’s Native Creations” at Bay Street at weekends.

However, Ms Major hopes showcases for art work by the disabled community can be more frequent, and is hopeful that she can put on her own exhibition one day.

For more information on how to support the BNCD contact 328-8533.