Guyanese Disability Rights

Commonwealth Point of Light 56. Ganesh Singh

Diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 13, Ganesh lost his sight at 17, just as he was preparing for his end of school examinations. He felt socially isolated and it was not until he joined the ‘Guyana Blind Cricket Association’ that he regained his independence and felt inspired to do something to improve the experiences of other young people who have lost their sight. With support from Guyana’s Ministry of Education, Ganesh has designed digital textbooks and notes accessible for blind people and which have been adopted by the ‘Caribbean Examinations Council’. Thanks to Ganesh’s efforts 75 per cent of students at Guyana’s two recognised schools for the blind have now completed their exams, with half of these graduates pursuing higher education.

The award for Ganesh Singh will be presented on 11th June at the UK High Commission Georgetown during a reception to mark The Queen’s Birthday by Acting UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Ron Rimmer.

Ganesh Singh said:  

“I’m overwhelmed and it’s an honour to be recognised by Her Majesty The Queen for the work I am doing. I’m sure this award will go a far way in the community and help my advocacy in the community. I will use this as a tool to promote our cause.”

Ron Rimmer, Acting UK High Commissioner in Guyana said:

“Ganesh has been a tireless disability rights advocate. Having successfully lobbied for changes to the national examination system to allow blind people to complete their education, he also now produces and presents a weekly radio programme called ‘Disability in You’ that discusses disability rights. I have been humbled by his work and his desire to make a real difference. He is, without question, a very deserving recipient of a Points of Light Award and it is an honour and privilege for me to have the opportunity to congratulate him on this occasion.”