By Nalinee Seelal
April 08, 2010 – newsday.co.tt
Chairman of the Local Chapter of Disabled People International, (DPI), George Daniel succumbed to an unknown illness yesterday morning at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.
Daniel, 45, of Santa Cruz, was reportedly ailing for some time. However, details were not divulged.
The news of Daniel’s death quickly spread throughout the disabled community in the Caribbean and North America.
On its official website Disabled Peoples International North America and the Caribbean, a newsflash ran, “It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Chairman of DPI, and NAC George Daniel on March 7,2010.”
Daniel, in July 2007, won a historic constitutional motion against the judicial arm of the State for violating his constitutional right to liberty. He was represented by attorney Anand Ramlogan. Daniel had filed his constitutional motion on March 8, 2005, in which he claimed he was unable to access the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain, because of the long flight of steps at the front of the building, which made it difficult for persons in wheelchairs to be pulled up the steps backwards.
Daniel had argued that the Judiciary had taken far too long to rectify the problem despite several complaints.
The landmark decision was handed down by High Court Judge Justice Nolan Bereaux at the San Fernando High Court. Speaking to Newsday from his holiday home in Canada yesterday Ramlogan said he was saddened by the loss. “George was a man of integrity. A role model for citizens because he was an inspiration to so many, and he cared for his fellowman despite his disability. I considered him a personal friend and an inspiration to my life. I will miss him,” he said.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,118677.html
***
George Daniel passes on – guardian.co.tt
George Daniel, the man who in 2007 fought the State from his wheelchair for violating his constitutional right to liberty and won a victory for the disabled people, has died. Daniel, former president of the local chapter of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) died at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope, yesterday morning. Current DPI president Michael Fraser confirmed that Daniel passed away shortly after 8 am at the hospital where he had been warded for some time. Fraser praised Daniel’s contribution to the disabled, saying it could never be measured.
George Daniel dies at 45
FORMER president of the Trinidad and Tobago branch of Disabled People International (DPI), and Express Individual of the Year for 2003, George Daniel, has died at the age of 45.
He had more integrity in his little finger, than alot of so called “icons” in T&T have in their entire body.
Rest in Peace George Daniel, your earthly toil is done.
My condolances goes out to Daniel family from jubby and family . one love my brother. Toronto canda
On behalf of the families of the Autistic Society of T&T I wish to extend our deep sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. George Daniel.
He was passionate in championing the rights of the disability community and joined in the protest outside the National Flour mills in 2003, risking his health in the process.
He represented his organization at many overseas conferences and the UN, in an effort to have persons with disabilities included in society and ensure individual human rights for all.
There have been many positive outcomes of the protest outside the National Flour Mills For example, the organization of a Think Tank on Disability, Integration and Development at the University of The West Indies, St. Augustine, in 2004. The aim of the three-day Think Tank was ‘to discuss ideas and strategies that would facilitate the successful integration of persons with disabilities into the arena of education and ultimately into all areas of society.’
This led to the formation of a new course, ‘Social Disability Studies,’ which is open to students of UWI St. Augustine.
There are still many barriers to full social participation of persons with disabilities. We hope that others in T&T will take up the challenge to work for equal opportunities in education and the job market, as well as equal access to buildings and services for all our citizens.
Teresina Sieunarine
President
Autistic Society of T&T
On behalf of the Belgraves family to Cyril and the Daniel family please accept our condolences .May the soul of our dearly departed brother rest in peace.
Regards
Allan G. Belgraves CLU,RHU
Toronto
In writing and researching a topic for my final independent study in Disability Studies in Toronto at Ryerson University, I came across an article on a Disability protest at the National Flour Mill in Trinidad. Upon further enquires, I met with the disability activist George. I traveled to Trinidad to meet and record ‘An Oral History of a Disability Activist, George Daniel’ I met with GD on more than one occasion, and throughout his battles with his frequent illnesses, he was very accommodating to me and my interviews, and also very thrilled that someone was taking the time to record his struggles and victories. I attended the DPI Caribbean and North America Conference with him, and had the honor to spend time with his family. George even invited me to the annual Christmas dinner for person with disabilities at the president’s house, a great experience indeed, with all the nice trini food and entertainment. Thanks for being so accommodating George, I know you are listening. Too many activists leave this world and no history is recorded. It was a pleasure for me to record the history of such a great community and disability activist. A great loss indeed for the disability community.