Floyd Morris (right), State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, speaks with Christopher Smith, venue development manager at Sabina Park, during a tour of the facility yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Less than six months before the historic staging of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean, State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Floyd Morris, has declared the Sabina Park facility in Kingston to be "disabled-friendly."

Following a tour of the facility yesterday, Mr. Morris, who is visually impaired, said adequate ramps were in place to allow for persons confined to wheelchairs to move around the facility.

Additionally, he noted that seating arrangements were available for persons in wheelchairs, as well as their spouses to be seated across the venue, and that the restroom facilities as well as the bar area, were also accessible to physically challenged individuals.

Braille inscriptions on elevator

However, Mr. Morris recommended that at least one wash basin in each restroom be lowered so that it can easily be accessed by the disabled, while braille inscriptions should be placed on the outside of the elevators for the visually impaired.

"We are pleased with the progress taking place here thus far," Senator Morris said.

Having toured the multi-purpose stadium at Rock, Trelawny last week, Mr. Morris said Sabina Park was by far more disabled-friendly.

He said there are some adjustments that have to be made at that site. "The bathrooms have to be wider so that there can be greater access and some more ramps need to be put in place," Mr. Morris said.