GAEs receive well-deserved monthly pensions, rectifies former govt mistakes: PM Terrance Drew

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew commenced the long-awaited pension payments to hundreds of retired Government Auxiliary Employees (GAE) on 25th July in a special event.

This historic ceremony was held on Church Street, Basseterre, directly in front of Government Headquarters. It was attended by members of the Federal Cabinet, senior government officials, representatives of the Pension Reform Task Force, and retired GAEs.

While expressing excitement about providing pension payments, PM Drew stated that this significant initiative was crucial for the administration to honour the unwavering commitment and dedication of those employees who have worked tirelessly in order to save the country without the assurance of a secure future.

He further asserted that with this initiative, the employees who have dedicated their lives to public service will now finally be able to restore dignity and security. He called the GAEs, the backbone of the public services who are traffic wardens, environmental workers, messengers, drivers, custodians, technicians and many more.

The Prime Minister added that these GAEs have served the nation without the guarantee of a pension which was their basic right and was unjustly taken away from them. For the same, the leader of the nation criticized the previous administration and stated that they implemented an extremely hurtful and shameful policy against the hard-working citizens of the Federation by decreasing their gratuity by 66%.

PM Drew stated that this act by the previous administration was not just a financial cut but rather a blow to their dignity and recognition. He further mentioned that his administration has finally able to rectify the mistake of the former government and restore the dignity of GAEs.

Few of the beneficiaries of the pension namely Vingrove Vaughn and Alice Govia extended gratitude to the Government on fulfilling their promise and recognising their contribution. They also urged young people to work hard till the age of 62 so that they can reap the benefits of the pension.

The pension payments are retroactive to January 2024 and this initial distribution marks the commencement of the monthly pension payments that will continue for the rest of the lives. PM Drew reiterated his commitment to fostering a just and equitable society where the contributions of all citizens are valued and respected.

Also, he extended gratitude to the Cabinet and the Pension Committee for their hard work in ensuring that these retired workers will be able to receive their well-deserved monthly pension payments.