Former minister in the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government, Simona Broomes, says she remains committed to improving the lives of her fellow citizens and continues to do so, with the support of God and others, “one person at a time.”
Broomes may not have the benefit of media fanfare that accompanies President Irfaan Ali when he uses taxpayers’ money to hand over a blue-painted house, or some other so-called act of benevolence, but her contributions to the less fortunate is of no lesser significance. Some would argue it is of greater significance given the resources she raises to accomplish the task either come from her or the many kind-hearted Guyanese, home and in the diaspora.
Broomes has been busy since leaving her ministerial position in August 2020 when the coalition left government. If she is not out there helping to build a home, protesting sexual violence, she is out there helping to remodel a bathroom to make it disability accessible, or engaging in some other feat.
Village Voice News caught up with Simona who recently, through the Broomes Foundation refurbished Agatha Yearwood’s bathroom (toilet and shower), making the facility adaptable to her physical mobility. Agatha suffered a stroke about five years ago, which resulted in her entire left side being paralyzed.
Broomes told this publication she visited Yearwood, who lives at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three, and whilst there observed Yearwood propelling herself into the bathroom in its original construction, i.e., for an abled-body person. She said what she saw was unacceptable and immediately set about mobilising resources to make the area disability accessible.
Simona was able to raise funds in the diaspora to complete a wheelchair accessible bathroom that includes a ramp that allows Agatha to use her wheelchair. The area is also outfitted with a face sink, toilet, ceiling lights, shower and a bottom pipe, and skid-resistance tile floors.
Prior to completing the bathroom Broomes sourced a spanking new wheelchair that has provided Yearwood improved mobility. Agatha now wheels herself into the bathroom and engages in this activity of daily living, aided by a neighbour who provides caregiver support.
Broomes told Village Voice News she is very concerned about the types and quality of support government provides for vulnerable persons such as the elderly and disabled. According to her, Yearwood is a pensioner and receives the monthly $35,000 which can hardly provide for her basic needs such as food, paying utility bills and buying medications.
Broomes recalls when the coalition government took office in 2015 old age pension was $13,500 and in four years the government moved the sum to $20,500 which represents a 50 percent increase in an economy not yet producing oil and gas.
Delving further into the economic situation she posited pensioners like Yearwood, who have a disability, should be paid both old age pension and disability. According to her “people are suffering in the oil-rich economy and it is not fair”
Simona Broomes was honoured in 2018 with a “Global Peace Award” and iCN’s “Life of Honour Award.” At the time of presenting the award, Founder and President of iChange Nations (iCN), Ambassador Clyde Rivers said, “This award goes for the top people in the world that have done major humanitarian work to help mankind. Minister Broomes has helped women. She’s an advocate of all advocates and the entire world needs to know of her work.”
In 2013 Broomes was honoured by United States Secretary of State John Kerry, as a Guyanese woman miner who spearheaded a vigorous campaign on behalf of women miners and against trafficking in persons.
