“We feel safer” – Ganesh Singh

…as Guyana Society for the Blind gets security guard

Increased security measures have been put in place for the Guyana Society for the Blind located on High Street Georgetown, thanks to the increased security measures now in place.
This is after several traumatic experiences persons endured from criminals attempting to break in the compound.
The security improvements include added walls, grills and most importantly, security personnel.
Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) Ganesh Singh revealed this during a recent interview with Guyana Times.
“GGMC [Guyana Geology and Mines Commission] has put up gates all around, and that has significantly decreased the number of robberies we were accustomed to,” he stated.

He also mentioned that persons are finally at peace. However, this implementation is only part of other things that must be done for the total security of persons living with disabilities
“We feel safer, peace has been brought back to the institution; however, several steps can still be taken to keep incidents at an all-time low. We feel more secure, but there is still more work to be done.”
Before the implementation of this security for the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB), the compound experienced a series of attempted robberies, invasions, and other criminal activities.
The GSB is a place where visually impaired persons receive essential learning skills and services.
Despite the numerous benefits the institution offers, its residents have not been immune to robberies.
This has caused growing trauma for the residents, who, due to their visual impairments, fear going outside, believing that people will take advantage of them once they realise their disability.
One resident, Odessa Blair, was a victim of a robbery at the GSB headquarters in June and July.
She stated that the situation had become intense, with criminals entering through the windows and taking valuables.
There have also been rumors that the GSB was being targeted because the occupants could not identify the robbers, thus, blind persons have been left to count their losses.
Earlier this year pleas were sent out to relevant authorities to address the matter and provide much-needed security support to the society for these vulnerable individuals. (G2)