Last Updated on July 26, 2024, 4:21 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The government of St Kitts and Nevis led by Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, commenced pension payments to hundreds of retired Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
The occasion was marked by a brief ceremony in front of Government headquarters that was attended by members of Federal Cabinet, senior government officials, representatives of the Pension Reform Task Force, and retired GAEs.
PM Dr Terrance Drew commented on the significance of the event and said that it was important for his government to honour the commitment and dedication of those who have tirelessly served the country without the assurance of a secure future.
He stated that the GAEs are the backbone of the public services. They are the traffic wardens, ensuring the safety of children on their way to school. They are environmental workers, keeping the streets, drains, and alleyways clean. They are the messengers, delivering vital documents across the nation securely. They are the drivers, custodians, technicians, and more.
“For too long, they have served without the guarantee of a pension, a basic right that was unjustly taken from them,” the PM highlighted.
Prime Minister Drew added that the Government Auxiliary Employees now have a coordinated framework for their appointment, terms and conditions of employment, discipline, and dismissal.
Most importantly, the government has established the Government Auxiliary Employees’ Commission to extend pension coverage to these employees, ensuring their future security.
To further underscore the significance of the event, the cheques to the retired GAEs in attendance were presented by Cabinet Ministers: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Denzil Douglas; Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Konris Maynard, and the Minister of Environment, Marsha Henderson.
The pension payments to the retired GAEs are retroactive to January 2024. This initial distribution marks the beginning of monthly pension payments that will continue for the rest of their lives.
Additionally, if a GAE worker passes away before reaching the age of 62, their beneficiaries are entitled to receive a year’s pension, ensuring the commitment to service.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
