Dress for a cause International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Cayman Islands

This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) brought festive cheer to the Government Administration Building last Friday (2 December 2016).
Following the traditional photo call of supporters, once inside Lighthouse School students helped dress the Christmas tree and sang a medley of carols.
Accompanied by a crowd of government workers, members of the Cayman Islands Disability Policy Steering Committee and members of the public, students sang holiday favourites including: ‘Joy to the World.’
The performance brought smiles and applause from onlookers including the Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson.
In the last dress for a cause day of 2016, the majority of participants wore yellow to mark the celebration. Many were also there to give thanks for the recently enacted Disabilities (Solomon Webster) Law 2016.
The photo call and ornament hanging preceded a brief presentation by Chief Officer for the Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs. Mr. Christen Suckoo gave the school’s principal a framed certificate in gratitude for the carol singing.
Mr. Manderson later said, “It was such a heart-warming event, and was clearly enjoyed by everyone there.”
“The holidays are traditionally seen as the season of good tidings and goodwill and the students’ voices leading with those of everyone else certainly reinforced that special sense of sharing and fellowship.”
The school’s principal, Elroy Bryan, later said, “We came to celebrate the day of awareness, showcase our students’ singing, spread some Christmas cheer and live by our motto “Yes we can!”
The students went on to sing at the Pines Retirement Home and at the Health Services Authority.