Young Student Urges Jamaican PM for Improved Accessibility
October 18, 2024 — Kingston, Jamaica
A heartfelt plea for inclusivity and accessibility echoed through the halls of Gordon House last Friday as Ramona-Shae Thorpe, a student of St James Preparatory School, bravely addressed the challenges faced by individuals with mobility impairments in Jamaica. The 12-year-old, who has depended on a walker for the past three years, is calling on Prime Minister Andrew Holness to implement more ramps and accessibility features across key public spaces.
During a school-organized tour of the Parliamentary building, Thorpe faced numerous difficulties navigating the stairs within the historic structure. Her experience underscored an urgent need for infrastructural changes to ensure government facilities are accessible to all citizens, regardless of physical abilities. Speaking candidly with Observer Online, Thorpe emphasized, “It’s challenging because I have to go up so many stairs. They should build a ramp so it will be easier for persons like me to gain access.”
Accompanied by her mother, Sasha-Gaye Wood, during the school trip, Thorpe’s determination to bring about change was evident. Her ambition to meet Prime Minister Holness, whom she greatly admires, fueled her advocacy. "He is an idol to me. I want to discuss my challenges with him," she shared. Her straightforward message to the prime minister is both a call for assistance and an appeal for a more inclusive society: “Sir, Honourable Prime Minister, can you please build more ramps so persons like me can have less challenges going through our everyday lives?”
Thorpe’s appeal highlights a broader conversation around the need for enhanced accessibility in public spaces across Jamaica. As the conversation gains traction, it’s hoped that proactive measures will be taken to transform the nation’s infrastructure, ensuring equal access for all.
