Disabilities Advocate Wants More Inclusive Public Transport and Tourist Sites

President of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Merphilius James, has reiterated a call for improved infrastructure to support individuals with disabilities.  While he acknowledges marked improvements since Saint Lucia ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on June 12, 2020, James insists that more must be done to meet international standards. “One of the things we like to emphasise is that, over the years, across different government administrations, there have been improvements in accessibility infrastructure,” he told St Lucia Times. “However, in some cases, the correct standards are not being implemented. It’s not just about laying a concrete slab—is it the correct width? Is the slope appropriate for a wheelchair user to navigate independently rather than requiring assistance to go up or down?” Highlighting concerns about parking spaces for persons with disabilities, James added: “In terms of parking, it’s not just about painting two blue lines and assuming the spot is accessible. Is the space wide enough to allow someone to fully open a car door or extend a ramp? We continue to encourage authorities to adhere to the correct standards. If we’re going to do something, let’s do it well and...