Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator Donna Cox has lauded the Government of China for their generous donation of a bus to the Lady Hochoy Home.
The handover took place Wednesday 21st June 2023 at the Chinese Embassy in Maraval.
Established over sixty years ago, the Lady Hochoy Home seeks to provide an enabling environment and advocate for persons living with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
Delivering remarks, Minister Cox told attendees that the handover is another example of the Chinese Government’s commitment to developing and improving people’s lives and in particular, the Lady Hochoy Home.
“I have been informed that the relationship between the Chinese Government and Lady Hochoy Home started in 2013, when Madame Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping visited this country. Since then, the Lady Hochoy Home received a mini-bus donation in addition to contributions of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am sure these things added great value to the operations of the Home,” said Minister Cox.
She further added that the contribution of the bus will facilitate further access, as Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to which the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is a signatory, states that appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that persons with disabilities have access, on an equal basis with others to the physical environment and to transportation.
“Access to reliable transportation is of utmost importance for persons with disabilities. This bus does not only provide an opportunity for the children and the staff to commute back and forth but connects them to programmes, institutions, services, and communities.” said Minister Cox.
She further added that part of the Ministry’s mandate is to protect and enhance the rights and dignity of children and all other persons with disabilities and thus the Ministry’s Disability Affairs Unit (DAU), continues to work assiduously towards helping, empowering, and transforming the lives of persons with disabilities throughout Trinidad and Tobago through sensitization, training, and advocacy in support of the community of persons with disabilities and, has established a microsite that contains information on the organizations that work with persons with disabilities to ensure that information about the services, therapy and support programmes they offered, were publicized and accessible. She also commended the Lady Hochoy Centres for continuing to be a beacon of hope for the persons with disabilities placed in their care and reassured that the Ministry will continue to provide the support required to empower persons with disabilities. “I also look forward to supporting other opportunities for collaboration with the Government of China and other organizations,” stated Minister Cox.
His Excellency Fang Qiu, Chinese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago in his address commended Minister Cox for her dedication and devotion to improving the livelihood of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Howard Sabga, President of the Lady Hochoy Centres of Trinidad and Tobago, and Sr. Bertill Dean, Manager of the Lady Hochoy Home were also in attendance.