Boneta Phillips receiving the Barbados Service Star in the National Independence Honours in 2014 from then Governor General, Sir Elliott Belgrave. (FP)

Statement from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on the passing of Bonita Phillips.

Barbados has lost a true stalwart and a woman of courage in the fight for the rights of the disabled in the passing of Ms. Boneta Phillips.

Whether she wore the hat of the President of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, leader of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, or as an advocate for the right of chronic pain sufferers to use medical marijuana for relief, Ms. Phillips never relented from the battle.

However, it was her personal fight for the provision of wheelchair-friendly sidewalks, particularly in Bridgetown, that made her a household name across the country.  We are ever conscious of the need to make this a reality in our country and will remain committed to doing, especially in all of our main town centres.

Her message was clear until the very end – disability does not have to be synonymous with inability.

I trust that her message, and the vigour with which Boneta fought, will continue to live on in the hearts and action of many.  And as we work to empower our disabled community, we shall forever be buoyed by the memory of Boneta Phillips.

On behalf of the Government of Barbados, I extend sincere condolences to Boneta’s family and the members of the disabled community of Barbados.

Prime Minister’s Office

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