NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD) School on Dolphin Drive, is a wonderful example of how beneficial public-private partnerships can be.

Addressing the Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new extensions at BAPD, Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling applauded the partnership between the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Ministry of Education, the Board of BAPD, and its host of volunteers and donors -- who all work towards meeting the BAPD’s long-term goals which are to foster independence and to increase the self-esteem, dignity and worth of persons with disabilities.

Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, categorized Dame Marguerite’s attendance at Wednesday’s ceremony as “special, momentous and an honour.” Her Excellency demits office as Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on June 28, 2019.

The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development was directly responsible for the upgrades to the facility. Construction services were provided by Mr. Lionel Charlton, while officials at the Facilities and Fleet Management Division, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, headed by Superintendent Darrol Hall, served as Project Managers.

“Today’s event brings attention to the growing demand for meaningful public-private partnerships and I am most appreciative to the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and by extension the Minister, the Hon. Frankie Campbell,” Dame Marguerite said.

“I am also grateful to the Department of Social Services for providing the staff to manage and care for the students and to the Ministry of Education for providing the teachers. Additionally, I am thankful for the well-meaning, qualified, competent, Board Members and volunteers who give of their time and effort with their only aim being to improve the abilities and quality of life of the students.

“I encourage you to continue to do your best. The children of The Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled are the beneficiaries of your worthy efforts. Your progress, no matter how minuscule, is a testament to your hard work,” Dame Marguerite added.

Registered as a non-profit charitable organization in 1973, the BAPD (formerly known as the Bahamas Paraplegic Association) exists to provide the best possible service to the young in the community of persons with special needs. This is achieved through the provision of a Daycare Facility, Special Education, Physical Therapy and computer training in an environment dedicated to promoting self-esteem, improved social skills and functionally-independent living wherever possible.

Its driving force was Miss Phyllis Aldridge, who saw the need to help the Physically Challenged Children, as well as adults, of The Bahamas. Sir Durward was appointed President in 1991, serving in the post until his death in 2018.

Dame Marguerite applauded the efforts of both Mrs. Aldridge and Sir Durward while also congratulating the current group of Board Members, administrators, staff, volunteers, and donors, for ensuring their legacy continues.

“She (Mrs. Aldridge) was determined to assist persons with disabilities in every way possible by utilizing activities that would improve their physical and mental health,” Dame Marguerite said. “Emphasis was also placed on the educational skills training so that persons with disabilities could find employment and become less dependent on others, thereby increasing their dignity and ability to lead a meaningful life.

“The contribution of the late Sir Durward Knowles is acknowledged. He served as President of this body from 1991 to the time of his demise in 2018.”

Dame Marguerite said while the target population has changed, and that special emphasis was placed on the provision of daycare services for physically challenged children during which they received special education, physical and speech therapy, computer training and socialization, the long-term goals -- which are to foster independence and to increase the self-esteem, dignity and worth of persons with disabilities – remain the same.

“I commend you for providing free services to this special group of children and I encourage other like-minded individuals to offer similar services which always seem to be short in supply in the community. I am reminded of the free wheelchairs that are distributed annually and I am grateful to all of the sponsors for their kindness.

“I could not conclude with better words than those expressed by the late (United States) President John F. Kennedy, who said: ‘As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live them.’”

By Matt Maura

BAPD Extensions Opening 1 Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling (third from left) is assisted by children in cutting the ribbon to the recently constructed front entrance covering of the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD) School on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. The covering will ensure that students, parents, administrators and staff can easily access the facility during inclement weather. A new pavilion was also constructed that will allow for greater outdoor activity. Pictured (from left) are: Mrs. Sherrylee Smith, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development; the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; Dame Marguerite; Mrs. Charlotte Albury, President, Board of Directors, BAPD; Mr. Michael Foulkes, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development; and Mr. Lionel Charlton, contractor. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

BAPD Extensions Opening 2 Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling is given a guided tour of the facilities at BAPD following the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the new extensions at the facility, June 19, 2019. Pictured (from left) are: Mr. Michael Foulkes, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development; the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; Dame Marguerite; Mrs. Linda Smith, Administrator, BAPD; and Mrs. Charlotte Albury, President, Board of Directors, BAPD. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)