The Executive Director of the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Samuel S. Dean Sr., has embarked on massive reform at the commission.
The Executive Director of NCD, in an exclusive interview with the Hot Pepper Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at his Congo Town office, stated that when he took over the institution from the past administration everything at the commission was disorganized beyond control. The NCD boss said the policy system, like the human resources (HR), were all not in good condition.
According to him, the past leadership left behind a complete damaged system at the National Commission on Disability (NCD).
Executive Director Dean stated that, because of the disorganized polices at the NCD, partners working with the institution were gaining more funding when there was a project. He disclosed that currently his leadership has put into place good system, which they are working with.
The NCD boss informed this medium that he has a great vision for the institution and wants to see the capacity of every member of the institution built to the fullest. He stated that a very good documentation system is being put in proper order at the NCD.
Executive Director Dean disclosed that in 2022 the institution had a US$1 million budget, while in 2023 it had over a million budget. However, he disclosed that for 2024 the institution only has about US$280,000 as a budget.
Executive Director Dean informed this paper that he was appointed to the position by President Joseph N. Boakai on April 3, 2024 to work in the interest of members of the disability community.
The NCD boss explained that since he took over the institution from the past leadership, meetings have been held with coordinators in the various counties. According to him, he is also planning another meeting with coordinators in the various districts. He stated that his office is working on a modality with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to see how best coordinators in the various districts can be placed on the payroll of the NCD.
He said the effort is paramount on his agenda for the coordinators. The NCD boss also refuted the allegation of receiving US$7.5 million intended for members of the institution. Executive Director Dean stated that the amount in questioned was channeled through the office of the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. He explained further that the only thing he was in charge of was the distribution of the rice. The NCD boss stated that the process of the distribution of the rice was done perfectly.
Samuel S. Dean Sr. concluded by saying that he remains committed to working hard to move the dreams and aspirations of the institution forward.