GCOPD calls for end to discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has welcomed President Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent announcement regarding reforms in the banking sector, expressing optimism that the measures will help eliminate long-standing discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities.
In a statement, the Council thanked President Ali for encouraging more Guyanese to open bank accounts to facilitate the transfer of cash grants, noting that the move represents an important step toward financial inclusion.
GCOPD said it hopes the reforms will compel commercial banks to revise outdated policies that have excluded persons with disabilities from accessing basic banking services. The organisation highlighted that, for years, individuals who are blind have been told they cannot open personal bank accounts or receive ATM cards because of their disability – a practice banks have often justified under internal policies.
“There is no empirical evidence to support such archaic and discriminatory policies, if they do exist,” the Council stated, adding that accessibility challenges also persist for wheelchair users at many commercial banks and ATM locations across the country.
However, GCOPD acknowledged that some banks have taken proactive steps toward inclusion, providing accessible facilities and services for persons with disabilities. These, the Council noted, serve as models for what the rest of the financial sector should emulate.
The organisation also emphasised that as Guyana continues its rapid development, it has been working to equip persons with disabilities – including young people – with financial literacy skills and knowledge of available financial services.
With more persons with disabilities now entering the workforce over the past five years, and with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security transferring public assistance grants directly to personal accounts, GCOPD underscored the urgency of ensuring equitable access to banking services.
“It is critical that commercial banks address discriminatory practices and implement the necessary measures to ensure that all persons with disabilities can access barrier-free financial services, regardless of disability type,” the Council said.
GCOPD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and contributing to the ongoing reform process, describing the Government’s initiative as an essential step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible financial system for all Guyanese.