By Sue-Ann Wayow

INDEPENDENT Senator Alicia Lalite-Ettiene has made history as the first person who is visually impaired to be appointed to the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago.

Lalite-Ettiene took her affirmation oath on Friday as the FIrst Session of the 13th Parliament opened. She was selected as one of the nine independent senators by President Christine Kangaloo.

When her name was called to take the oath, she was physically assisted and there was tremendous desk thumping from all in the Upper House.

Instead of reading the oath herself as with the others, Lalite-Ettiene repeated the oath which was read to her.

And although she could not quite see it, Senate President Wade Mark had a broad smile on his face when he shook her hand after.

The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) via a media release on Friday stated that it celebrated the milestone, calling it a major step forward for inclusivity and representation of persons with disabilities.

Lalite-Ettiene was born with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a progressive eye condition. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, she has excelled academically and professionally.

TTBWA stated that Lalite-Ettiene graduated summa cum laude from Monroe College in the United States, earning associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in Business Administration.

She is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine. Her research focuses on attitudes towards persons with disabilities in T&T and the US.

She served the TTBWA for ten years as a librarian, computer literacy teacher, and adaptive technology instructor. She also trained others who work with people who are blind or disabled.

Lalite-Ettiene has lectured at UWI and trained staff at the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) in adaptive technology. She also completed an internship at the United Nations.

TTBWA said her appointment to the Senate is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of hope for the disabled community.

TTBWA Executive Officer Kenneth Suratt said, “Alicia’s journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of equality. Her voice in the Senate will bring greater understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and lead to more informed, compassionate policymaking.”

The Association said it looked forward to the positive changes her presence in the Senate would bring.