Differently-Abled Protestors Demand Improved Housing Allocation

Angry representatives of the differently-abled community protested in Port of Spain on Wednesday. They are calling for an improvement in the quality of housing conditions for the local disabled community. The Differently-Abled Movement, representing thousands of visually-impaired, physically-challenged, and other members of the local differently-abled community, voiced their dissatisfaction with their living conditions in front of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development's Head Office on Wednesday morning. Head of the Movement, Nikesha Pierre, said the group has had many meetings over the years with several officials, but with no improvement. "We fully intend to continue our protest strong and firm. We will go on until our needs and our pleas are being heard and addressed. We, the differently-abled persons, are also citizens and stakeholders of this country. We have rights, and we deserve better." Another representative, Ornella Sammy, called for a reassessment of the $2,000 Disability Grant. "A fair and immediate increase in housing allocation for differently-abled persons. Five percent is unacceptable. We demand at least 15% of housing be reserved for our community." Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation, Jayselle MacFarlane, said she noticed the protesters and decided to leave her office to speak with them. "As a matter of fact, our Minister, the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, while we build units for… we more or less refocus and have units available for the differently-abled and the five percent of persons can apply for those units." Ms. MacFarlane encouraged the protesters to come to her office for a meeting and promised to address their concerns.