Gallimore Appeals for Employment Opportunities for the Disabled

Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Andrew Gallimore, is appealing for more employment opportunities for the disabled.
“I believe that when persons with disabilities go to get educated, when they show that dedication and that perseverance, our society must reward them by giving them the opportunity to participate (in the workforce),” he stated.
Mr. Gallimore, who was addressing the Rotary Club of Kingston’s weekly luncheon held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on December 4, encouraged employers to “stop looking at a person’s disability, instead, look at the potential and see how best you can help that individual achieve his/her goals”.
Mr. Gallimore pointed out that the Ministry has been on a drive to seek job opportunities for disabled persons. “I am not saying to any business person that you must employ persons with disabilities as charity. I am saying to you, employ persons with disabilities, who are qualified to do the work,” he stated.
“They are persons with disabilities but they are willing to work to overcome those disabilities and they are asking the broader society to allow them to participate in the game of life that we all play,” he added, noting that these persons, by virtue of their hard work and perseverance, served as positive role models.
He invited employers to call in any job offers to the toll-free-number that has been established at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. “There is a number that we launched in August, 1888-enabled, feel free to call that number, identify yourselves and identify your company. Tell them that you are prepared to employ a person with disabilities who is properly qualified,” he urged.
He informed that job-placement officers are available, who will choose the most suitable candidate for the particular task.
The State Minister further commended the Rotary Club of Kingston, for its continued commitment and service to the development of the country over its 50 years of existence.
The State Minister’s address came against the background of Disabilities Week, which is being observed from November 30 to December 6, under the theme: ‘Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us’.