$100 Million loan programme for the disabled

Mr. Golding said the funds must be used strictly for viable economic projects that can create jobs for the disabled. He said this allocation does not prevent disabled persons from accessing loans from the general pool of $1 Billion already set aside by the Ministry from the National Insurance Fund, to provide financial support for the small business sector.

Mr. Golding said access to the loans must be spread as wide as possible and that several access points must be made available through channels such as people’s cooperative banks and credit unions. The details of the loan are to be worked out between the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Investment Karl Samuda, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Andrew Gallimore and Milverton Reynolds, Managing Director of the DBJ.

At a meeting in February with the Combined Disabilities Association, Mr. Golding made an initial grant of $10 Million to boost the association’s loan programmes for members who wanted to start their own business. He also provided a further $5 Million to help offset the cost of medical supplies and equipment for the CDA’s membership.

A Ministerial Council will be established to provide oversight for matters related to and affecting persons with disabilities. The council will be comprised of all the critical Ministries including the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and representatives of supporting institutions for persons with disabilities. The Combined Disabilities Association has already requested that issues relating to interpreters for the deaf, rehabilitation for the disabled and education s, are in need of attention.