WALWYN DEMANDS JOBS FOR DISABLED: 'Answer the question, not your grandfather'

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn and Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley locked horns in the House of Assembly over government inaction on disability employment, with Walwyn objecting when the Premier cited his grandfather's role in founding special education services.

Walwyn had raised the question of why the government, holding a $550 million budget for 2026, had not launched job opportunities for adults with disabilities. He cited comparable schemes across the Caribbean and spoke of families in his district struggling to find work for relatives with disabilities.

Dr Wheatley's response opened with a historical reference to his grandfather, the late Chief Minister Dr Willard Wheatley, and the 1972 creation of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre. Walwyn cut in, objecting to the historical framing and insisting on a direct answer to the employment question.

"I don't want to hear about his grandfather," Walwyn stated. "He did quite a lot; he shall be remembered," the Premier replied, defending his family's legacy. "That's fine, but not tonight. Answer the question," Walwyn countered.

The Premier then outlined two initiatives: a $4 million rebuild of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre and a draft employment policy targeting vulnerable populations. Walwyn rejected both as insufficient, arguing that schools and training facilities were not the same as actual jobs.

"You promised two years ago that you were gonna do it," Walwyn said. "Why can't they go to work like ordinary persons?" He further charged that the government had failed to include people with disabilities in the RATED employment scheme.

Dr Wheatley acknowledged the proposal merited serious thought but said the RATED programme lacked the current structure to support it. He indicated that future reforms might eventually open the scheme to adults with disabilities.