THE EDITOR, Sir:
With reference to the above-mentioned subject, I would like to point out the slow pace at which pension payments are made to retired persons in Jamaica. I served for a total of 31 years in the Jamaica Defence Force and retired in March, 2002. All my pension documents were completed in good order and forwarded to the Ministry of Finance soon after I started my pre-retirement leave.
I eventually received an advance payment of my pension in June 2002 and was told that my monthly payment would start as soon as the final and full payment is actioned. My documents were sent to the Ministry of National Security in August 2002 and to date these documents have not yet been signed and returned to the Ministry of Finance, in order that my final payments can be made. I have spoken to persons at the Ministry of National Security and to date I am unable to get any satisfactory reply as to the status of my documents. All I am being told is that the documents are being signed and as to where they are strictly confidential. I would like to know:
a): How can documents relating to myself and questions being asked by me, be so confidential, in that I cannot even be told of its status?
b): Do these civil servants realise that they will become pensionable one day?
c): Had I served as a politician for this period of time, would I have to be going through this hassle to get my pension payment?
I must say, that it is a disgrace, that after serving Jamaica with distinction, one is left with such agony and problem of not being able to collect pension payment without the hassle. I would like the Government to treat retired persons better and ensure that they are paid promptly, in order that they can carry on with their lives.
I am, etc.,
ENOS CLARKE
