BONITA PHILLIPS has been a household name in Barbados’ disabled community for over a decade.
Serving as president of the Barbados Council for the Disabled for six years, Phillips has been known to use her voice, vast knowledge and fighting spirit to acquire provisions and utilities.
The island’s first disabled friendly buses, used to transport members of the community, were also introduced under her watch.
Today, she is wearing a different hat, as she now holds the position of president of the Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society), for the past three years.
Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation (such as numbness). With MS, the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged by one’s own immune system.
“The MS Society is not only fighting for people with MS, we are fighting for every disabled person in Barbados. We are fighting for an accessible environment, rights, fighting on gender and health issues . . . we are fighting on everything that we are struggling with.
“We are fighting to get caregivers to help some of our members who live without support. An hour a day from the National Assistance Board is just not enough.
“And I am not just calling for these things for people living with MS, but also for people with physical challenges, parents of children with disabilities, people who are caring for the elderly. . .,” Phillips told MIDWEEK NATION during a recent