Calls for Greater Inclusion Mark Blindness Awareness Month Activities 

By S.Browne. Updated 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The National Society of and for the Blind (NSOFB) held its annual Blindness Awareness Month activities in Kingstown on Friday, May 8, 2026, with calls for greater inclusion and support for visually impaired persons in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This year’s observance included a march through Kingstown followed by a church service at the Kingstown Evangelical Church, bringing together government officials, advocacy organisations, students, and members of the wider community.

Participating organisations included the Voice of the Disabled, the National Paralympic team, and the National Society for Persons with Disabilities.

Minister of The Family and Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities, and Labour Laverne Gibson-Velox said the impact of blindness and visual impairment extends beyond physical sight.

“The effects of blindness and visual impairment extend far beyond the loss of physical sight, affecting mobility, employment, independence, safety, confidence and full participation in society,” she said.

She stressed that persons with disabilities must not be excluded from national life.

“They are citizens deserving of dignity and respect… students, professionals, parents, neighbours, leaders and contributors to national development,” she said.

Gibson-Velox further emphasised inclusion in decision-making. “We must listen to their experiences, understand their needs, and ensure that decisions affecting them are not made without their involvement or participation,” she said.

Acting President of the NSOFB, Daniel Chambers, called for greater awareness and support for persons living with visual impairments.

“We want persons to recognise our plight, our daily struggles, and so forth,” he said.

Chambers also urged public support in everyday life. “Don’t be shunning loved ones, family, friends, lend a helping hand where you can,” he added.

He highlighted ongoing accessibility challenges, including blocked pathways and difficulties navigating public spaces.

Chambers said the organisation plans to compile a list of visually impaired persons in St Vincent and the Grenadines to better understand the number of persons it serves and improve targeted support.

During the service, Pastor Bro. Shanan Samuel referenced John 9, the biblical account of a man born blind.

He said, “Disability does not mean inability,” and encouraged persons not to see themselves as disqualified from purpose.

He added that people often focus on limitation rather than purpose, and urged individuals not to allow misunderstanding or assumptions to define their worth.

The National Society of and for the Blind (NSOFB) was established in 1986 in St Vincent and the Grenadines to support persons who are blind or visually impaired.

The organisation has since focused on advocacy, awareness, and support programmes aimed at improving accessibility, promoting inclusion, and enhancing the quality of life for its members.

Through its annual Blindness Awareness Month activities, the NSOFB continues to highlight the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and greater public understanding of the challenges faced by persons who are blind or visually impaired in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

END