Plea for government pensioners

THE EDITOR: It is noticeable that this category of citizens in Trinidad and Tobago is a forgotten group of people as it relates to social welfare.

It can be said that repeated governments have failed to address the diminishing income of retired public servants who have given yeoman service throughout the public sector. Notwithstanding the UNC government’s increase to such pensioners by a token two percent, in addition to a tax exemption ceiling of $30,000 per annum for all pensioners over 60 years that caused considerable relief thereof. Nevertheless, I personally felt that the gesture was inadequate because of the fact that pensioners’ medical bills in particular are exorbitant. By the same token I laud the PNM government granting some aspects of free medical to us retirees. However, I would be grateful if the government could review our meagre pension in order that we could survive in this global village. As a consequence, I would like to appeal to the honourable Prime Minister, Mr Patrick Manning that he would remember the forgotten soldiers of the State, when he is presenting the country’s 2003-4 budget.

RONALD PREUDHOMME
Retired Public Servant
San Fernando