NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie Campbell, Wednesday applauded a number of Government initiatives designed to cater to children with special needs in The Bahamas, including Autism.

Delivering a Communication in the House of Assembly (Wednesday, April 3), Minister Campbell said the announcement of Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis that the Government of The Bahamas will increase its annual subvention to REACH Bahamas through the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, was “significant.”

The Prime Minister’s announcement came during the keynote address at the annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day “Light it up Blue” Ceremony hosted by REACH Bahamas in Rawson Square, Tuesday (April 2).

Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd also announced during the “Light It Up Blue Ceremony” on Tuesday that his Ministry has decided to increase scholarship funding for more persons to pursue studies in key areas that address Special Education concerns.

Minister Lloyd said the Ministry will also be providing opportunities for current teachers who express an interest, to receive financial support to retrain in these crucial areas, and that the Ministry has also made a commitment to encourage teachers to pursue their Masters and Ph.D. degrees with specialization in areas that will prepare them to become Behavioural Therapists, Speech Therapists, Psychologists, Early Interventionists and Special Education educators.

Professional education grants will also be provided to enable them to undertake short courses and seminars “which concentrate on keeping them up to date with new developments in the Special Education” disciplines.

Additionally, Minister Lloyd said the Ministry is committed to providing more spaces in public schools to cater to children with special needs, including Autism.

Minister Campbell said the Prime Minister’s commitment to increase the subvention will not only strengthen the “proud partnership” between REACH Bahamas and the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, but will also increase and improve the goals and objectives of both the Ministry and REACH Bahamas in “servicing a community that we are committed to ensuring is included in all that The Bahamas has to offer.”

REACH Bahamas is the country’s resource and educational source for Autism and other related challenges. A non-profit organization, its aim is to provide parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of this neurological disorder.

“The Prime Minister’s commitment is significant first of all, because it shows that the Government of The Bahamas recognizes the work that is being done by REACH Bahamas; that the Government of The Bahamas recognizes the need that is out there to necessitate improving and increasing the work that is being done by REACH, and that it is important for us as a government, to play our part,” Minister Campbell said.

“The Prime Minister has an appreciation for partnerships. REACH is an important partner with the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development. The Prime Minister’s commitment to increase the subvention will strengthen that partnership."
 

Minister Campbell also applauded Minister Lloyd’s announcement Tuesday evening. Minister Campbell also addressed the Ceremony.

“The Ministry of Education is part of this tripartite partnership and is committed to ensuring that education is available to all,” Minister Campbell said.

“One of the things that may not have been highlighted is the fact that the Ministry of Education is setting aside a significant portion of its scholarships for persons who are committed to working with persons with special needs; to working with persons within the community of persons with disabilities, and so when you tie that in to what we are doing in Social Services and the commitment of the Prime Minister for increase in the subvention, I think it augurs well. It speaks well to our commitment to the community,” Minister Campbell added.