Written by Joanne Clark, CaribbeanNationalWeekly.com, May 13, 2024
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is allocating over $50 million across Municipal Corporations in Jamaica to bolster Labour Day initiatives this year.
The funds are earmarked to enhance community support, focusing particularly on individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
Enhancing access for all
This year’s Labour Day, to be observed on Thursday, May 23, carries the theme ‘Ramp up di access… Show that you care’.
The day is set to focus on improving access for all, ensuring that public facilities are more accommodating to the physically challenged.
The Ministry’s initiatives aim to address the barriers faced by these individuals daily, striving to make public spaces less intimidating and more inclusive.
Commitment to continuous improvement
During a meeting at the Portland Municipal Corporation in Port Antonio, the Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, highlighted the significance of these initiatives.
He underscored the importance of integrating accessibility into municipal planning and development.
McKenzie called on the building and planning committees of the Corporation to prioritize applications that improve access for the physically challenged, emphasizing the need for thoughtful infrastructure that accommodates everyone.
Further, McKenzie outlined a broader vision beyond Labour Day, indicating plans for ongoing projects aimed at enhancing sidewalk constructions and overall public access.
This initiative is not limited to a single day but is part of a sustained effort to improve the daily lives of those with physical challenges.