Dear Editor,
During the APNU+AFC administration numerous pensioners were employed or retained in the Public Service on lucrative contracts. Most, if not all of those employed are over sixty-five years and already in receipt of old age, NIS and Government pensions. When added to their lucrative contract emoluments, it amounts to a substantial amount while others are barely surviving on their meagre income.
In view of above I feel it is now imperative that these retirees should be replaced by ably qualified persons after giving them adequate notice in keeping with their contracts and after a comprehensive man-power analysis needs is conducted.
At the same time, the government should re-look at their current pensions especially those receiving 50% on the minimum public service scale, the old age pension and NIS across the board increase when there is an increase in salary. This will make their retirement more sustainable given the additional costs to survive due to attrition.
I am also of the view that the new administration should increase the retirement age in the Public Service to 60 years giving an additional five years of utilizing their experiences while at the same time receiving two pensions i.e. NIS and Government at the time of retirement. This obviously will make their retirement a little more livable.
Yours faithfully,
D Sookdeo
