St. James Municipal Corporation to Install Free Car Park Spaces for the Disabled

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, says the St. James Municipal Corporation plans to install free public car park spaces across the Second City for the disabled who are registered members of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD).

Councillor Vernon made the disclosure during a Workers’ Week/Labour Day Thanksgiving Service, held at the Montego Bay New Testament Church in St. James, on Sunday (May 19).

Workers’ Week is being observed from May 17 to May 23, which is designated as Labour Day.

This year, Labour Day is being observed under the theme ‘Ramp up the access… Show that you care’ and focuses on the disabled and the elderly.

The Mayor underscored that this year’s Labour Day focus of improving accessibility for disabled citizens is aimed at improving lives and fostering a sense of inclusivity.

“We are presented with a golden opportunity to contribute more to our communities, municipality and country through volunteerism,” Mr. Vernon said.

“This effort underscores our care, compassion and commitment to building our community. As such, the St. James Municipal Corporation will install public disabled car parking spaces across the city to facilitate registered members of the JCPD. As a matter of fact, no user fees will be associated with the parking accommodation,” he noted.

Work on the spaces has already commenced and is slated for completion on Labour Day.

Councillor Vernon further added that the Municipality will be improving the Pye River Cemetery located at Bogue in the parish this Labour Day.

“A cemetery is not just a space for the deceased, it is a space for the living to remember and honour their loved ones. The Pye River Cemetery has not been able to fulfil the role effectively due to financial and capacity constraints. Therefore, we are leveraging this Labour Day opportunity to improve access to the cemetery, making it a more dignified and comfortable place,” he said.

Councillor Vernon encouraged citizens in the parish to join the municipality in the improvement activities at the cemetery on Labour Day.

The Mayor also thanked stakeholders for their contributions to their communities, noting that their efforts have “made a significant difference, and we are grateful for your continued support”.

Workers’ Week is being observed under the theme ‘Recognising abilities; fostering greater inclusion for our workers’.

For his part, Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in a message delivered by Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, noted that workers play a vital role in shaping the island’s past, present and future.

“Today, we are reminded that workers are not merely cogs in a machine but heart beats of our nation. They deserve our utmost appreciation and support, especially considering our acceptance of the need for greater inclusivity and care for persons with disabilities, the elderly and the vulnerable,” he said.

“In every workplace, workers create value, innovate and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation. They are indispensable sources, and it is our duty to ensure their well-being and dignity,” the Governor-General said.

He also implored citizens to foster a culture of empathy and respect in workplaces and communities.