Arnim Smith not entitled to benefits

The late Armin Smith is not entitled to any compensation from the Parliament, House Speaker Barry Sinanan confirmed yesterday. “The Parliament cannot give anything, (to Smith upon his death),” he said.

Sinanan told Newsday that while he was aware that the House Committee was currently looking at medical insurance and life insurance for Members of Parliament, at the moment there was no provision for any compensation following death. He said pension benefits were paid to members of Parliament (and on their death their spouses) only if they had served two parliamentary terms. If the MP served one term, he could get back all the benefits which he paid and which came through the monthly deductions made from his salary to his pension. But, Sinanan noted, Smith, who was only appointed a Senator in October last year, did not even serve a full term and therefore was not entitled to get back such monies. “At the moment there is nothing covering him. The only people entitled to medical benefits are office holders such as the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the House and Ministers of Government. But an Opposition member is not covered.”

He stressed though that the House Committee was examining “something in that regard.” It is understood that all Patricia Smith (his spouse) would be entitled to at this point is half of his senatorial, which would come up to $4,000. A senator’s full salary is $8,000. But  Smith died on November 16, making that day as his last day serving as a senator. Sinanan pointed out that Works Minister Franklyn Khan had offered assistance to Smith’s family. “But from the Parliament point of view, nothing can be done,” he said. The Speaker extended condolences to Smith’s family. He said he met Smith a few times in the corridor of the Parliament and found him to be very affable.