JAMAICANS are being encouraged to show love and touch the lives of people who need attention and care this Labour Day, May 23.

“I want to encourage Jamaicans to get on board, to help your neighbour, to help particularly the shut-ins, the seniors, persons who have physical disabilities and persons who have intellectual disabilities,” Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said.

Labour Day 2024 will be observed under the theme ‘Ramp up the access… Show that you care’, with a focus on people with disabilities, the elderly and the vulnerable.

Grange said that people can assist the shut-ins and people with disabilities by cleaning their homes, delivering food to them and doing their laundry.

She mentioned other services that could be offered to the vulnerable, such as manicures, pedicures, massages, or by taking them out for walks.

“It is important to make them feel that they are not alone, and so even to just sit and talk with them, it is important. So every individual can play their part on that day; just to reach out and touch someone,” she added.

Explaining the rationale for emphasis on persons with disabilities and the vulnerable, Grange said there are concerns about the lack of access for people with disabilities, as well as the elderly to services and to participate equally in socially valued goods, opportunities, resources and rewards.

“If persons cannot access buildings or public spaces, as well as social and financial benefits, then their rights to association, to expression and equality are being negatively impacted,” she said.

She pointed out that Jamaica’s Disability Inclusion Act of 2014 requires that community facilities be accessible to everyone.

“So we decided this year that we would focus on accessibility for all, particularly those with disabilities, our seniors and the vulnerable and that their access will be to physical facilities as well as to services,” she added.