Centre To Be Named After K. Margaret Carter

May 22, 2015

margaret-carterThe consolidated programme at the site of the former Opportunity Workshop on Roberts Avenue will be named after the late Kathleen Margaret Carter [pictured] in recognition of her life’s work of championing the cause of people with disabilities, Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment Jeanne Atherden in the House of Assembly today [May 22].

Minister Atherden said, “There are many examples of those who, at great personal sacrifice, have given of themselves to enrich the lives of others. Some are unsung and did much in this community that we now take for granted. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of my statement today is to highlight one such activist: the late Ms. Kathleen Margaret Carter.

“Honourable Members will recall that the operations of the Orange Valley Center and the Opportunity Workshop were merged in furtherance of this Government’s undertaking in the Speech From the Throne of 2014. The consolidated programme is located at the site of the former Opportunity Workshop on Roberts Avenue and provides a wider range of services to a greater number of clients.

“Honourable Members will also be aware that the rationale in support of this change was complimented by the adoption of a new model of care called the industrial model of service delivery. This model provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities through the production of goods and services for both the public and private sectors.

“I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that this Government has determined to recognize Bermuda’s foremost advocate for the rights of disabled persons, the late Kathleen Margaret Carter and will rename the site The K. Margaret Carter Centre in recognition of the late Miss Carter’s life’s work of championing the cause of people with disabilities.

“Honourable Members should note that she was the founder and long-time chairperson of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association [BPHA] and championed the cause of people with disabilities.

“Among Ms. Carter’s achievements through advocacy were changes to the building code requiring public buildings to be disabled accessible, the introduction of buses with hydraulic lifts, the hiring of a specialist employment officer within the public service, and passage of the amendment to the Human Rights Act adding disability as a protected category from discrimination.

“Ms. Carter’s life was dedicated to direct advocacy on behalf of the disabled community and to living the example that those with disabilities can contribute to society and lead normal lives. Ms. Carter was also an artist and a writer.

“1st June 2015 would have been Ms. Carter’s 76th birthday, and it is intended to effect this change of name on that date,” the Minister added.

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

Mr. Speaker, Bermuda has been favoured to have had activists who have fought for the rights of the most vulnerable in our society. There are many examples of those who, at great personal sacrifice, have given of themselves to enrich the lives of others.

Some are unsung and did much in this community that we now take for granted. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of my statement today is to highlight one such activist: the late Ms. Kathleen Margaret Carter.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will recall that the operations of the Orange Valley Center and the Opportunity Workshop were merged in furtherance of this Government’s undertaking in the Speech From the Throne of 2014.

The consolidated programme is located at the site of the former Opportunity Workshop on Roberts Avenue and provides a wider range of services to a greater number of clients.

Honourable Members will also be aware that the rationale in support of this change was complimented by the adoption of a new model of care called the industrial model of service delivery.

This model provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities through the production of goods and services for both the public and private sectors.

Mr. Speaker, the mission for the new initiative is: To promote service delivery that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities by preparing and providing them with meaningful work experience in an integrated community or extended employment through vocational, rehabilitation and supervised work experience that enhances their optimum quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, this fresh vision and revamped model of service delivery demands that we further rebrand the new programme and its single location.

Therefore, I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that this Government has determined to recognize Bermuda’s foremost advocate for the rights of disabled persons, the late Kathleen Margaret Carter and will rename the site The K. Margaret Carter Centre in recognition of the late Miss Carter’s life’s work of championing the cause of people with disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, I have attached to this Statement for the information of Honourable Members and the public, the extensive biography of Ms. Carter.

Among the highlights of her life, Honourable Members should note that she was the founder and long-time chairperson of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association [BPHA] and championed the cause of people with disabilities.

Among Ms. Carter’s achievements through advocacy were changes to the building code requiring public buildings to be disabled accessible, the introduction of buses with hydraulic lifts, the hiring of a specialist employment officer within the public service, and passage of the amendment to the Human Rights Act adding disability as a protected category from discrimination.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Carter’s life was dedicated to direct advocacy on behalf of the disabled community and to living the example that those with disabilities can contribute to society and lead normal lives. Ms. Carter was also an artist and a writer.

Mr. Speaker, 1st June 2015 would have been Ms. Carter’s 76th birthday, and it is intended to effect this change of name on that date.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the support of my Cabinet colleagues and I am sure the whole House joins in celebrating this singular honour for one who transcended her physical disability to make a significant and lasting contribution to this community.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

- Photo of Ms Carter reprinted by kind permission of Bermuda Biographies, who have a full biography of Ms Carter that you can read here.

Read More About

Category: All, News

Comments (3)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar says:

    This is a very good thing.

  2. hmmm says:

    Agree, this is wonderful.