By Tyrone Reid, Staff ReporterWHILE YESTERDAY'S launch of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation's (KSAC) 'On Street Parking for the Disabled' has reduced the complaints of that community, the dissatisfaction remains.
Members of the disabled community expressed gratitude for the efforts of the KSAC, but held firm to their stance that enough was not being done islandwide to address their plight.
"It shows that Local Government is stepping in the right direction (but) they need to do a little bit more," said Errington Pellington, founder and director of the Paraplegic Development and Outreach Foundation Limited.
Mr. Pellington's point was reiterated by Senator Floyd Morris, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. "This did not come overnight. It has been hard work," Mr. Morris said. "We are not saying the journey is complete because we have a lot more to do to improve the lives of persons with disabilities."
MORE DISABLED-FRIENDLY
Mr. Morris' comments come on the heels of a United Nations ranking that placed Jamaica among the top five countries in the Americas as it relates to providing adequate protection and treatment for their disabled citizens.
The launch, which was staged on King Street, downtown Kingston, adjacent to the Inland Revenue Department, kick-started the KSAC's thrust to make the Corporate Area more disabled-friendly.
Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie said the launch of the programme was more significant "to us" (the KSAC) than the success of the Jamaican Olympic team. His statement was met by a few cheers and several stares of disapproval.
As a part of the ceremony, the two designated parking spaces and a ramp, in addition to a sign, were unveiled. The promised parking stickers were also issued. This, the Mayor said, was only the beginning. He said after the downtown Kingston leg is complete, New Kingston will be next on the KSAC's agenda.
