GAE to benefit with pension by July 2024: PM Terrance Drew

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: The Government Auxiliary Employees (GAE) are to benefit with the pension for the first time by July 2024 stated the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew. These pensions to the employees will play a huge role in protecting and ensuring their financial stability.

PM Drew noted that this opportunity came more than a decade after the law was passed back in 2012 by the previous Labour administration. The plan was designed to benefit the GAEs as well as those who have been employed by the administration since 2012.

However, while criticizing the Unity government, PM Drew stated that the previous administration refused to pay the pension and their rights to the qualified workers. They also cut the gratuity of GAE workers by 66%, violating their right.

He also noted what the previous administration failed to do; he will get it done with the support of his A-team. He stated that under his leadership, the payments were restored and the workers were presented with their monies during a ceremony in June 2023.

The leader of the nation also added that hundreds of qualified workers will get their pension by the end of July 2024. He further asserted that the payment will date back to January 2024 as this is the date when the pension was due to start.

Notably, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew made an announcement of the pension during the sitting of the National Assembly on 2nd May 2024. And, since then, he stated he and his government is committed towards providing all their employees with their rights of financial stability.

Moreover, PM Drew also noted that it is their priority to provide pension payments to GAEs who exited the government system prior to 31st December 2024. While shedding light on the eligibility to avail the pension, he stated that GAE must be at least 62 years old and have contributed a minimum of 15 years of services.

“Thousands more of qualified workers will also benefit in the future,” noted PM Terrance Drew.