McCoy highlights Guyana’s push for disability inclusion at IPU Assembly

…says Guyana allocated $8B in 2026 budget to support PLWD

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Kwame McCoy, has reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to the promotion, protection and full realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities, consistent with its obligations under the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
McCoy was at the time addressing the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Istanbul on Friday, which focused on parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
During his presentation, he emphasised that disability inclusion is both a human rights imperative and a cornerstone of sustainable and equitable development. McCoy outlined Guyana’s robust legislative and institutional framework, anchored in the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2010 and supported by constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination.

In addition, he highlighted the role of the National Commission on Disability in advancing a rights-based, whole-of-Government approach grounded in dignity, autonomy and equal opportunity. Highlighting Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy, the Minister noted that the Government is intentionally aligning economic growth with social inclusion while pointing to a strategic shift from welfare-based support to empowerment and participation, including investments in skills development, expanded access to entrepreneurial financing, and initiatives aimed at removing barriers to employment.
As part of this effort, Guyana has set a national target of creating at least 5,000 jobs for persons with disabilities over the next five years.
Among key initiatives, he referenced the operationalisation of the Centre for Equity, Opportunity, and Innovation, which provides training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, alongside plans to establish business centres across all Administrative Regions to support economic independence.
He further detailed targeted interventions across critical sectors. In housing, persons with disabilities are prioritised in access to house lots and homes, while in education, inclusive systems are being strengthened through specialised programmes, dedicated facilities and enhanced Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) frameworks. McCoy also underscored the Government ‘s commitment to accessibility, noting that all new public infrastructure must incorporate accessibility features, advance universal design principles and ensure inclusivity by default. In promoting economic participation, he highlighted initiatives integrating persons with disabilities into emerging sectors such as agriculture, including plans for a model farm to be managed by persons with disabilities, aimed at fostering self-reliance and community engagement.
The Minister also addressed social protection measures, noting that more than 27,000 persons benefit from direct financial assistance. In 2026, over $8 billion has been allocated to support persons with permanent disabilities, alongside increased monthly payments, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for vulnerable groups.
Reiterating the importance of inclusive governance, McCoy stated that meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes is essential. He called on parliaments to play a leadership role not only through legislation but also through effective oversight, adequate financing, and strengthened accountability mechanisms.
On that note, he urged a shift from commitments to measurable outcomes, stressing that evidence-based policymaking and sustained parliamentary engagement are key to advancing inclusive social development globally.