Chinese Embassy donates assistive devices to benefit persons with disabilities across The Bahamas

NASSAU, The Bahamas - Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to The Bahamas, reaffirmed her embassy's commitment to supporting persons with disabilities as she presented 45 assistive devices to benefit individuals in New Providence and throughout the Family Islands.

The embassy donated 15 wheelchairs, 15 walkers and 15 pairs of crutches to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities during a handover ceremony on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Hearing Room/Ministry of Social Services

Ambassador Yan said the embassy is already preparing to order additional assistive devices, further strengthening the partnership between The Bahamas and China in support of accessibility, mobility and inclusion.

Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister said assistive devices provide more than practical support; they also contribute to mental well-being, confidence and self-assurance.

Mrs. Davis affirmed the worth of persons with disabilities, noting that every individual deserves an opportunity and that the wealth of talent and ability within the community of persons with disabilities must be recognised and valued.

Senator the Hon. Barbara Cartwright, Minister of Social Services, described the donation as an act of kindness and friendship that is deeply valued, particularly on the heels of Disability Empowerment Month, observed in June.

Minister Cartwright said the Ministry is working with the Department of Statistics to examine data on the growing population of persons with disabilities as it develops measures to improve their lives.

She said this work includes reviewing the use of disability parking decals to ensure they are issued to and used by eligible persons. The Minister stressed that persons with disabilities must have access to government buildings, services and opportunities.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Services, the Hon. Bacchus Rolle, delivered the welcome and recognised the importance of partnership and international cooperation in advancing support for persons with disabilities.

Townsley Roberts, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, said the donated devices will effectively serve as "legs" for individuals who cannot walk.

He added that as more resources and assistance become available, an increasing number of persons with disabilities are registering with the Commission because they recognise that help is available.

The devices will be distributed not only in the capital but also to persons with disabilities in Family Island communities. A wheelchair can provide greater independence, while walkers and crutches support mobility, accessibility and fuller participation in everyday life.

Returning to China's broader commitment to disability inclusion, Ambassador Yan said her country follows a people-centred approach to development and recognises that inclusion is essential to sustainable national development.

She said China has approximately 13,600 rehabilitation institutions, about 3,000 employment support centres and more than 20,000 accessible activity spaces in libraries focused on supporting persons with disabilities.

Ambassador Yan advised that meaningful progress requires strong legislation, effective policy implementation, investment by the government and private sector, and support from factories, other industries and universities.

The Ambassador has also supported the community of persons with disabilities in The Bahamas through several recent engagements. She visited Camp Inclusion in Abaco, operated by the Disability Affairs Division of the Ministry of Social Services, and attended the recent Disability ICON Awards held during Disability Empowerment Month.

Dr. Anthony Hamilton, Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, moderated the ceremony and underscored the national importance of inclusion.

"If we get it right for persons with disabilities, we get it right as a nation," Dr. Hamilton said.

(BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson)