Dear Editor,
One of the promises of the present government in its 100 days plan is to increase the old age pension. Whenever the quantum of the increase is announced I am asking the responsible minister to please ensure that Guyana Power and Light increases the pensions paid to those pensioners who are being paid by this utility. For as long as I can recall the GPL has never increased the money paid as pensions to former employees who have retired and opted for a monthly pension instead of a lump sum payment in accordance with the superannuation scheme. When the question of non-payment of pension increases was raised at a forum, the CEO of GPL who was the main speaker at that forum informed the gathering of mostly pensioners that the company was not in a financial position to implement any increase in pension. This is so unfair, because whenever the government awards an increase in pensions, such an award is applicable to all pensioners. As mentioned in a previous letter to the editor, if at the time of retirement at the specified age the pension paid is, say, $10,000.00 monthly, should that individual live to be 100 years old the monthly paid pension remains at $10,000; there is no increase whatsoever. With the recent revelations of massive fraud and corruption and the quantum of money involved, an increase in pensions could have been possible and implemented by GPL.
Yours faithfully,
Colin Gill
