PAVI President Bhawani Persad Highlights Vision-Centred Services and Funding Struggles for Trinidad’s Blind Community

Overview

During a segment of “Better Ments with Base” on Freedom 106.5 FM, the station welcomed Bhawani Persad, President of the Persons Associated with Visual Impairment (PAVI). Persad discussed the organization’s history, core programmes, recent outreach events, and ongoing financial challenges.

Organization Profile

PAVI, founded on 26 October 1995, is a non-governmental organisation that supports blind and visually impaired persons across Trinidad and Tobago. It operates as a full-member of the Caribbean Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired. PAVI’s flagship initiatives include rehabilitation services, home-visits for counselling, and training in daily-living skills such as cooking, laundry, cane use, and mobility to places of worship.

Vocational and Technological Training

Recognising the need for economic independence, PAVI runs computer-training workshops, soap- and shampoo-making courses, and other crafts. Persad highlighted how technology—Bluetooth keyboards, talking scales, and Braille playback devices—enables blind individuals to work in offices, policing, and media. She cited a policeman who, after acquiring adaptive tech, continues to serve in an administrative role.

Collaboration and Community Outreach

PAVI reaches beneficiaries through media campaigns, former Radio Trinidad programmes, and partnerships with the Diabetes Association of Trinidad, the Trinidad Eye Hospital, and other agencies. A notable outreach event, “Check Your Eyes,” was scheduled for 22 August at the St Augustine South Community Centre (Freedom Road). The free seminar features an eye-specialist, eye-screening stations, equipment displays, and testimonies from PAVI members.

Funding Challenges

Since 2015, PAVI has faced a severe funding shortfall after government assistance ceased, a situation compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. While a modest private stream now sustains some activities, the organization relies heavily on its annual fundraising Christmas dinner. Early-bird tickets (US $350) are available until the end of September, rising to US $400 thereafter. The dinner, featuring local entertainers, will be held on 22 November at the Center of Excellence, McCoy.

Disability Grant Concerns

Persad criticised the handling of disability grants, noting bureaucratic obstacles and occasional misuse of the system. She urged a shift from hand-outs to skill-building, echoing the adage “teach a man to fish.”

Success Stories

Among the individuals highlighted was Carlos Green, who lost his sight at 31, remained married, and continues to lead an active life—illustrating PAVI’s impact on personal resilience.

Future Plans and Contact Information

PAVI aims to expand its inclusive services, including special rooms at NALIS libraries for visually impaired learners. Listeners seeking assistance or wishing to support the organization can contact the PAVI office at 220 1073 or via its WhatsApp line. Further details on upcoming events and programmes are shared through the organization’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Conclusion

Persad reaffirmed PAVI’s commitment to empowering blind and visually impaired Trinidadians despite financial constraints, emphasizing community collaboration, technology adoption, and the importance of viewing ability over disability.