VIDEO: Bernard Warner Says Taxi Association Blocked His Bid to Serve Disabled Tourists; PM Steps In

It is about time that we make actions follow words. It has been awhile that we have heard of the inaccessibility for differently abled and disabled persons getting around St. John’s.
We do not truly see it unless we are feeling it. In a small way, I feel it since my knees started giving me problems. Getting across even small drains or stepping up unto a sidewalk or having to navigate even three steps on a sidewalk becomes a challenge.
Some ramps were placed in some areas which is a great help but even some stores become challenging. Then there is the matter if transportation. I agree with the Prime Minister that taxi Associations should endeavour to have at least two vehicles designed for disabled passengers. I would go even further and say not just St. John’s Taxi Association but at VC Bird International, National Taxi Association and English Harbour Taxi Services.
Our Nationals also need these services and a way to provide the services needed by them needs to be addressed.
Then there is the matter of remuneration and how charges for these services can be fairly implemented.

Everywhere in Antigua handicap persons are marginalized. We have to buy a permit yearly for $175 from transport board, yet, persons without permit park freely in the spots allocated to the disabled!
Let me tell you about some frustrating areas: CMC, EPICUREAN, First Choice, down at the Old Post Office, (Taxi drivers like that one), opposite City Pharmacy, outside ACB, Outside Inet St. Mary’s Street, across from Digicel on High and Redcliffe Streets, zOutside Harper’s!
Accessibility is not a privilege. It is a right! Except we give people with disabities dignity to be ordinary citizens with rights, we will be forever marginalized!