Dear Editor,
Old age pensioners were glad when they learnt that the Welfare Officer from Bartica would be visiting Saxacalli on 2nd November, 2022 to issue old age pension books and pay the long awaited cash grant of $28,000. Sadly, a few of us were disappointed when we learnt that our names were not on the list. I have been receiving pension for the last twenty-six years. When I became sixty-five, I like all Saxacallians applied to the Bartica Welfare Office in Region # 7. Although Saxacalli is in Region # 3, because it is just twelve miles from Bartica we have always been serviced by the Region # 7 Office.
Suddenly, about ten years ago, my name was taken off the Bartica list and every year since then there has been a royal runaround to get my book. This happens every single year. I have to keep begging for my book. Last year I appealed to the Minister by a letter in the press to look into this matter. It would seem that this problem is unsolvable as far as the Ministry is concerned.
At first only myself and one other pensioner Mr. Rudolph Greenidge suffered. But now all newcomers are affected. Mr. Banwarie, Chief Welfare Officer expressed his frustration when he told me that he has advised that my name be put on the Region 7 list, but to no avail.
My wife Lilette Lobert who became eligible this year did not receive her book or grant. Madame Minister I am not begging, I am demanding my cash grant, keep the book if you so desire, but I want my $28,000 now. They really don’t care. They are well looked after, large salaries and many perks, so why should they care. I have appealed to President Ali so much lately that I hesitate to do so now. But who knows Mr. Ali is apparently always willing to listen to the people. “Gie Jac é jacket”. Mr. Ali is making a difference. I often wonder how he tolerates these misfits. I have already made my new year’s resolution. Every October (as long as the Lord gives me life) I will dress up in rags and present myself to the Ministry of Human Resources and beg for my pension vouchers.
Sincerely,
E.C. Lobert
