KINGSTON, Jamaica —The Opposition Deputy Spokesman on labour and social security Floyd Morris last Friday tabled a motion in the Senate, calling for greater employment of people with disabilities in both the private and public sectors.

The motion stated that Jamaica has not done enough to engage persons with disabilities in the productive capacity of the country, to enable them to take care of themselves and their families.

It was tabled a day after Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton urged employers to hire more blind and visually impaired people.

He was addressing a World Sight Day health fair at the Jamaica Society for the Blind, Old Hope Road, St Andrew, last Thursday.

Tufton said the Government is committed to partnering with agencies to increase availability of eye-care services and promote awareness among the general population about issues related to visual impairment.

Morris’ motion calls on the government to:

• put in place measures to promote the employment of more persons with disabilities in the private and public sectors.

• embark on a consistent public education programme to sensitize the society on the employment capabilities of persons with disabilities; and

• create a special facility so persons with disabilities can access modern technologies to assist them in their employment endeavours.

The standing orders of the Senate allow members to table and debate motions on matters of national importance.

The motion is to be debated on a date agreed on between the government and the Opposition members of the Senate.