Independent Senator Alicia Lalite-Ettienne, who is legally blind, has made a compelling call for the government to fulfill its constitutional and international obligations towards persons with disabilities. During a Senate session on November 26, she tabled a private members’ motion, marking the first such motion in the current session. Lalite-Ettienne emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategic plan, including a legislative framework, to dismantle barriers faced by disabled citizens within the next year. She criticized the existing national policy as ineffective, likening it to ‘a dog with no teeth,’ and stressed the necessity of enforceable legislation to protect against discrimination and ill-treatment. Lalite-Ettienne highlighted ongoing societal barriers in education, banking, housing, and social services, and reminded the government of its previous commitments to empower the disabled community. In response, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit assured that the Persons with Disabilities Bill is in development and will soon be reviewed by the legislative committee. Mohit also detailed increased disability support through higher grant allocations, rental assistance, minor house repair grants, educational support, and funding for small businesses under the SEED programme. She provided figures showing significant financial support to adults and children with disabilities and announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to review the Standard Means Test following complaints. The debate on the motion was adjourned to prioritize the Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025.