Labour Day projects grant St James disabled greater accessibility
Published:Saturday | May 25, 2024 | 12:06 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Members of St James’ disabled community say they will now have an easier time accessing several of Montego Bay’s public spaces, thanks to efforts to provide more disabled-friendly conveniences during Thursday’s Labour Day 2024 activities in the western city.
The parish’s Labour Day projects, which were carried out under the theme ‘Ramp up di access … show that you care’, included the cleaning and beautification of the Pye River Cemetery in Bogue, as well as the demarcation of special permit parking areas in downtown Montego Bay.
Additionally, a wheelchair ramp was constructed at the Pye River Cemetery to provide easier access to the facility for wheelchair users. The structure was completed a day prior to the launch of the Labour Day activities.
Andrew East, president of the Cornwall Combined Disabilities Association and a wheelchair user, praised the efforts of Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon and the St James Municipal Corporation [StJMC] in following through on previous efforts to make the city more accessible and disabled-friendly.
“We have been promised about disabled parking to be painted about the town, with some of it to be done today [Thursday], and I am here testing the ramp at the Pye River Cemetery as a wheelchair user, and for the most part it is perfect except for a little hiccup at the end of it that can be adjusted. The main part is the fact that we are now able to access the cemetery, whether for a funeral or to visit a deceased person, and anybody, whether wheelchair bound or with ambulation issues, can visit,” said East.
“I have not been to funerals in a long time because of this same thing, as the access in Jamaica is very limited, and in rural Jamaica it is non-existent. We look forward to more that should come, as there are plans to upgrade the city in and of itself, the sidewalks and the whole infrastructure, and that work is to come,” East added with elation.
His jubilation was shared by Robert Blake, president of the Jamaica Society for the Blind’s Montego Bay chapter, who described the projects’ combined goal of giving convenience to disabled persons as a win-win scenario for all parties involved.
“The ‘second city’ of Jamaica now will become disabled-friendly, and I’m sure we couldn’t ask for much more. It will improve accessibility in every way, because it means that persons with disabilities are now able to park freely, and some buildings and facilities will have their own ramps so that we are able to access the services that they provide,” said Blake, whose blindness requires him to walk with a mobility cane and a visually abled friend for guidance.
“This has been a long time in coming, and one of the things I am glad for is that the mayor [Vernon] and his assistants decided to run with this vision. It is the start of something to come, and there is much more to come,” added Blake, who is a regular representative for the local disabled community at the StJMC’s monthly meetings.
Thursday’s activities in Montego Bay also serve as a follow-up to the StJMC’s previous announcement in 2022 that it would be rejecting building construction plans that are not in line with the stipulations of the Disabilities Act of 2014. The act came into effect on February 14, 2022.
According to Section 37 of the Act, in building any public or commercial premises, the owner or agent must ensure that the premises are readily accessible to, and usable by, disabled persons, while being constructed in accordance with the National Building Code.
In the meantime, Vernon noted that the theme of this year’s Labour Day, under which 40 projects were registered with the StJMC, has provided an opportunity for Jamaicans to extend freedom to society’s most vulnerable members.
“The theme for Labour Day is a call to action, to enable our most vulnerable, especially persons with disabilities and the elderly. Answering this call sets us on a path to extend our inherited freedom to those who need a helping hand. Therefore, today provides a grand opportunity to show care and compassion collectively,” said Vernon.