BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – The St. Kitts-Nevis authorities says it would current laws to Parliament on Thursday to supply long-overdue pension safety to 1000’s of Authorities Auxiliary Workers (GAEs).
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew mentioned the Complete Pension Invoice would additionally cowl crossing guards, environmental staff, hospital maids, and drain upkeep employees who’ve served the twin-island Federation with out satisfactory post-retirement assist.
“This Labour administration will lay earlier than our Parliament a invoice to carry, I’d say, justice to the 1000’s of GAE staff who would profit. The pension plan will probably be legislated, and anyone who needs to the touch it must return to Parliament to the touch it as a result of they deserve it,” Prime Minister Drew informed radio listeners to a radio program right here.
He mentioned that in July final 12 months, the federal government commenced pension funds to a whole bunch of retired GAEs who had beforehand been denied such advantages. This adopted the institution of the Authorities Auxiliary Workers’ Fee, which supplied a structured framework for the appointment, phrases of employment, and pension protection of GAEs.
Eligibility for the pension requires GAEs to be not less than 62 years outdated with a minimal of 15 years of service. The pension funds are retroactive to January 2024, and certified GAEs now obtain month-to-month pension funds for all times.
Drew mentioned that the laws aligns together with his authorities’s broader agenda to reinforce social safety and fairness. Initiatives such because the ASPIRE program, which gives EC$1,000 (One EC greenback = US$0.37 cents) seed accounts to younger residents, and the current 8% wage improve for civil servants underscore the administration’s dedication to uplifting all segments of society.
“We consider within the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Social gathering in adjusting individuals’s wages the place potential and placing in pension plans. As a result of these are safer methods of sustaining our individuals,” Prime Minister Drew informed the radio program.
He mentioned the brand new laws represents a major step in the direction of rectifying previous injustices and making certain a dignified retirement for individuals who have devoted their lives to public service.
