Finance Minister Irving McIntyre says Dominica’s new National Disability Affairs Unit will strengthen advocacy and improve access to services and opportunities.
Dominica: The Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Dr. Irving McIntyre, has voiced his support for the establishment of the National Disability Affairs Unit in Dominica, sharing that the unit will play a great role in ensuring that persons with disabilities have greater access to opportunities, services, and support.
Plans for the new disability unit was first announced by the Minister of Finance during his presentation of the 2026/2027 National Budget in Parliament in the beginning of the month. The Minister explained that the unit will be established in this financial year as the Government aims to give greater focus and prominence to issues affecting persons with disabilities.
Speaking in Parliament on August 4, 2026, the Minister stated, This Unit will support the Commission in fulfilling its mandate, strengthen advocacy, improve coordination across ministries and agencies, and ensure that the rights, needs and interests of persons with disabilities receive sustained attention at the national level.
Earlier this week, Dr. McIntyre reaffirmed his support for this initiative by further expressing its importance in the lives of the disabled, sharing that they also have a contribution to the society.
Another area I can choose to mention, which I mentioned in the budget, is when we have a national disability affairs unit. Persons living with disabilities, they are Dominicans just like you and I, and they have an opportunity and a chance to contribute to the economic development of the country. So, what we thought was the best thing to do is to have a separate unit for persons living with disabilities, explained Dr. McIntyre.
The Minister of Finance further added that the unit will play a key role in ensuring that the rights, needs, and interests of persons with disabilities are adequately addressed.
Rather than have it scattered in all different ministries, there'll be a unit, they can feel assured that all their issues and complaints can be addressed through this unit, and at the same time, they can make a meaningful contribution to the development of Dominica, shared the Minister of Finance.
McIntyre has emphasised that the Government is committed to inclusivity and ensuring age, disability and difficult circumstances do not diminish the citizens' place in society.