A spokesperson of the GLDM has come out today with a strong statement where spokesman Mr Gordon Nelson adds, “ Many changes have been going on in Gibraltar and it is sad that disability only comes out in the forefront when it suits to enhance the requirements of any public servants or the public.”
Mr Nelson has received many unhappy emails to the Gibraltar Local Disability Movement where disabled people have found comfort and relief in trying to alleviate their anxiety.
Mr Nelson from the disability movement highlights several particulars the movement has received.
Relating to one person the local disability movement received an email of which is not a one off situation this happens more and more often Mr Nelson ads.
Sadly we received mail where a man unnecessarily was experiencing a very hard time trying to gain access to his car even at a point of being hailed a barge of insults to his person.
The man mail told us the following.
Dear Sirs
I am fed up with having to call for Police presence to remove motor scooters that surround my car when parked in disable bays. There are many occasions when I have been unable to gain access to my vehicle especially the 2 parking bays at the side of the new NatWest building. I only hope that these selfish motorists never have to know what it is to be disabled and have to rely so much on the assistance of others. I have found it very difficult after an extremely active life to come to terms with my disability after a stroke 3 years ago and feel very strongly that police are not doing enough to deter indiscriminate parking. I also feel there should be parking ONLY for the disabled in Line Wall and also more bays on estates.
The same gentleman also sent us a second email of which was more alarming.
Prior to parking in same disabled parking bay, it was occupied by a Government small white van whose occupants were in the bank. I reported the van to Police who informed me that it was from Environmental Ministry. They called them and the 2 people came back to the vehicle. I then had to put up with insults from the passenger who informed me that as it was a Government vehicle, and they can park where they like. I have since reported the vehicle and occupants to Governmentand am awaiting an outcome of an enquiry into this matter.
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement did ask the gentleman in question if he could take photos of his situation and we have produced 3 motor cycles blocking here.
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has asks itself why the movement has received so many complaints about disabled parking bay car blockings, in the pasts months, and has come to a conclusion that this can only be due to two things that, one, people are uncaring in parking on a disabled parking bay or second, it has become virtually impossible to park anywhere due to works been carried out around Gibraltar.
In any case the GLDM believe that the gentleman who had been but through a very difficult and harrowing experience should get all the support he needs where the police must reinforce their action where necessity even in the removal of vehicle f need-be. The privations of essentials requirements must be forced where just like in Spain if anyone blocks a disabled parking bay a on the sport fine is put on anyone of over 80 to 100 plus euros
On another note the Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has received many emails on the hardship on the impossible cost of living the disabled are being put though. Government budget in these past years have forgotten the disabled community, with increased of municipal charges 3% electricity and 3.5% water and the cost of living being on the up, the disabled have found they are being the forgotten ones.
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement would like to quote an article which was on the Gibraltar Chronicle on, Tuesday, 3rd August 2010
The Unite District Committee member Albert Hewitt has criticised Liberal Party leader Joseph Garcia for stating that what the Gibraltar Government was giving in tax allowances with one hand it was taking away in increased charges with the other.
Speaking to the Chronicle Mr Hewitt said that ordinary working class families would be substantially better off as a result of this year's budget measures.
(Unquote)
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement adds here we have an issue that the disabled community don’t come into the equation of being part of the community.
Mathematical statement that of two expressions, usually divided hasforgottenthat there is a wider community. Mr Hewitt said that ordinary working class families would be substantially better off as a result of this year's budget measures, but has forgotten that many of them ordinary working class families are helping a disabled family member they have, or the disabled community. The disability movement also would have like Mr Garcia to have sported out the shortfall of the budget measures towards the disabled community. The GLDM asks that a balance to a monetary solution to an old age problems be considered, as the disabled community limited amountprovide in this day and age is not meeting their needs.
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement end by saying this is not the first time it has been calling out for better income support. On Tuesday, 31st March 2009 the GLDM adds.
GDLM said it is making a note of the next budget as regards disabled allowances.
“The GLDM would like to see a system that is based on a different price index, where disabled allowances are based on ‘real income, usually defined as money income adjusted for the cost of living.”
“Standard of living income inequality when it comes to the disabled in Gibraltar can only be a measuring of the standards of living and health of the economy in Gibraltar. Having the same privileges, rights, status, and opportunities as others, has many factors and one of them should be a system that insures a measuring standard of living for the disabled.”
The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"
