St. Kitts and Nevis observed a significant ceremony of the commencement of long-awaited pension payments to Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) who got retired from the system after May 2012. The ceremony was arranged at the Church Street, Basseterre which is directly in front of the Government Headquarters.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew commenced the retirement pension on Thursday, July 25, 2024. While granting the pension he said that the decision to ensure that GAEs receive their deserved pensions “right the wrongs of the past and honor the commitment and dedication of those who have tirelessly served the nation.”
PM Drew expressed that he was glad to commence the retired Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) by the members of the Federal cabinet. It was a historic ceremony which was highlighted with the presentation of cheques to retired GAEs.
The ceremony highlighted the promise of the previous administration, to provide the retired employees with the pensions, however instead of fulfilling this promise, they decreased their gratuity by 66%.
This was an extremely hurtful and shameful policy which is implemented against the hard-working citizens of the Federation, who are able to receive their well-deserved monthly pension payments.
The occasion marked the presence of the Federal Cabinet, senior government officials, representatives of the Pension Reform Task Force and the retired GAEs.
Considering the significance of today’s event, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew said that it was an imperative for his government to honour the commitment and dedication of those who have tirelessly served the country without the assurance of a secure future.
Drew highlighted that the GAEs of St. Kitts and Nevis are the backbones of the public services. They are the traffic wardens who are ensuring the safety of the children on their way to school.
They are the environmental workers, who are keeping our streets, drains and alleyways clean. They are also the messengers of delivering the vital documents across the nation securely.
Prime Minister said that along with that they are also the drivers, custodians, technicians and more. He mentioned that they have served without the guarantee of a pension, a basic right that was unjustly taken from them.
Furthermore, to underscore the significance of the exercise and the importance of worker protection, the cheques to the retired GAEs in attendance at Thursday’s ceremony.
It was symbolically presented by the Cabinet Ministers including Prime Minister Dr. Drew; Senior Minister Dr Denzil Douglas, Konris Maynard and the Marsha Henderson. Following the initial payouts, the GAEs will now receive the monthly pension payments for the rest of their lives.