By Madi Njie
Muhammed Krubally, the Chairperson of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), has called on members to be united and to work together towards the achievement of their common objectives.
Magistrate Krubally challenged regional authorities to look after the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He made this call during events marking International Day of Persons With Disability held at the Moses Lodge in Jarra Soma in the Lower River Region of The Gambia.
Mr Krubally stressed that it is only through unity that PWDs can stand firm, but if they are divided, they will fall, citing the national pledge which states that “it is a combination of Government and people working together in unison and harmony that will lead people to achieve the progress they all desire”.
He urged members of the GFD to stand together as one people and move together as one people, and not to insist in pursuing their personal goals without keeping their collective responsibilities in mind, with the latter which he said, will lead to their downfall. He re-echoed the GFD’s mission statement which is empowerment, equity and integration of PWDs in society.
“I hereby say that Article 3 of UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs and Section 4 of PWDs Act 2021 cautions that PWDs have principles that need not be compromised. These principles are respect for inherent dignity, and individual freedom/autonomy including respect for the rights of PWDs and their independence and full and effective participation in society without discrimination. These are our core principles that need not to be compromised,” Mr Krubally who doubles as Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrate’s court, told the gathering.
The visually impaired magistrate further reminded the Chairperson of Mansakonko Area Council of Section 22 of the PWDs Act 2021 which enjoins Local Councils to accord support to PWDs. Therefore, he encourages Councils to fulfill the rights of the disabled, adding that Section 22 cautions and orders Local Councils to be responsible and to look after the welfare of all persons with disabilities.
He urged the Governor of LRR to set up a regional committee that works in tandem with the National Disability Advisory Council.
He finally thanked all those who stood and continue to stand in solidarity with PWDs, in ensuring that they achieve their desires.
