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 aim for excellence.”
One pressing issue James highlighted is the lack of accessible public transportation. Currently, individuals who use wheelchairs face significant challenges when trying to use minibuses, often forcing them to rely on alternative, less convenient options. He believes that upgrading infrastructure to accommodate these individuals could unlock an untapped market for transportation providers.
“When it comes to accessible public transportation, this is an area that demands much more attention,” he contended. “Do our public buses accommodate wheelchair users or power wheelchair users? We’d like to see an open discussion with minibus operators. While they may argue that there isn’t sufficient demand or that they don’t see enough wheelchair users on any particular route to justify the investment, it can also be argued that the current environment discourages wheelchair users from even attempting to use these services.”
James pointed out that improving accessibility on the island would have far-reaching benefits, not only for residents but also for the tourism industry.
“The market for tourists with disabilities is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and as a prime tourist destination, Saint Lucia has no excuse for leaving this market untapped,” he said. “For example, world-renowned sites like the Sulphur Springs, which are known for their therapeutic benefits, should not remain inaccessible. It is essential that we install ramps and ensure that our main tourist attractions, as much as practical, are inclusive and welcoming to everyone.”
The current administration has pledged that accessibility will be a key focus of its Infrastructure 2030 plan.