Press Releases

Istanbul, Türkiye – April 17, 2026. At the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, the Honourable Kwame McCoy, M.P., Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister of the Parliament of Guyana, contributed to deliberations of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights on April 17, 2026. His intervention addressed the preparatory debate on the proposed resolution, Inclusive Social Development for All: Parliamentary Strategies to Promote the Rights and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

In his address, Minister McCoy reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to the promotion, protection, and full realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities, consistent with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He emphasised that disability inclusion is both a human rights imperative and a cornerstone of sustainable and equitable development.

The Minister outlined Guyana’s robust legislative and institutional framework, anchored in the Persons with Disabilities Act 2010 and supported by constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination. He highlighted the role of the National Commission on Disability in advancing a rights-based, whole-of-government approach grounded in dignity, autonomy, and equal opportunity.

Highlighting Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy, Minister McCoy noted that the Government is intentionally aligning economic growth with social inclusion. He pointed to a strategic shift from welfare-based support to empowerment and participation, including investments in skills development, expanded access to entrepreneurial financing, and initiatives aimed at removing barriers to employment. As part of this effort, Guyana has set a national target of creating at least 5,000 jobs for persons with disabilities over the next five years.

Among key initiatives, the Minister referenced the operationalisation of the Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation, which provides training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, alongside plans to establish business centres across all Administrative Regions to support economic independence.

He further detailed targeted interventions across critical sectors. In housing, persons with disabilities are prioritised in access to house lots and homes, while, in education, inclusive systems are being strengthened through specialised programmes, dedicated facilities, and enhanced Special Education Needs and Disabilities frameworks.

Minister McCoy also underscored the Government’s commitment to accessibility, noting that all new public infrastructure must incorporate accessibility features, advancing universal design principles and ensuring inclusivity by default.

In promoting economic participation, he highlighted initiatives integrating persons with disabilities into emerging sectors such as agriculture, including plans for a model farm to be managed by persons with disabilities, aimed at fostering self-reliance and community engagement.

The Minister also addressed social protection measures, noting that more than 27,000 persons benefit from direct financial assistance. In 2026, over GYD 8 billion has been allocated to support persons with permanent disabilities, alongside increased monthly payments, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for vulnerable groups.

Emphasising the importance of inclusive governance, Minister McCoy stated that meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes is essential. He called on parliaments to play a leadership role not only through legislation, but also through effective oversight, adequate financing, and strengthened accountability mechanisms.

He concluded by urging a shift from commitments to measurable outcomes, stressing that evidence-based policymaking and sustained parliamentary engagement are key to advancing inclusive social development globally.

END.