By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Chinese Embassy donated a new set of assistive devices to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities yesterday, as Disability Empowerment Month came to a close.

This year’s donation included seven wheelchairs, ten mobility aids, and 14 walking canes — marking the fourth consecutive year the Chinese Embassy has supported the commission.

The handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting and attended by Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, First Lady Ann Marie Davis, and Social Services Minister Myles LaRoda.

Ambassador Yan said the initiative reflected her government’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities, a theme reinforced in the Beijing Declaration adopted at the China–Latin America and Caribbean Forum earlier this year.

He added: “As we hand over today’s supplies, let us together reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all persons with disabilities.”

Mrs Davis described the donation as both a symbol of solidarity and a call to action.

“This occasion is not just a celebration of generosity but it is a testament of enduring friendships,” she said.

“In this act of giving, I congratulate the Chinese Embassy, and I should say my office, for the dedication to the principles of equity and the universal right to access to resources that facilitate growth, development and well-being.”

Mr LaRoda - also speaking at the event - thanked the Chinese government for the donation and emphasised their ongoing work in meeting the needs of residents across the country.

“Just about every week there is a demand or request from different parts of our society,” Mr LaRoda said. “Devices like canes and walkers give the disabled community freedom to move about. We are most grateful.”

While official records reflect around 2,200 registered persons with disabilities, Mr LaRoda noted that international estimates place the number closer to 64,000. He said this underscores the need for continued outreach, especially in the Family Islands.