THREE AMENDMENT Bills relating to pensioners were yesterday approved by the House of Representatives.
They are The Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2003; The Pensions (Teachers) (Amendment) Act, 2003; and The Pensions (Parochial Officers) (Amendment) Act, 2003.
Prior to their passing, Opposition spokesman on finance Audley Shaw described the Bills as non-controversial. "We entirely support the question of benefits to be given on the much more wide and comprehensive basis as is proposed in the amendments before us," he said.
However, Mr. Shaw questioned the financial implications of the decision as in all three Bills, it was noted that the provisions were made retroactive to July 1, 1974, the effective date for similar awards to other categories of public employees.
But in response, Fitz Jackson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, reminded the House that the provisions in the Act related specifically to persons who die while on the job.
"My check in the Ministry indicates that it is very few who die in the execution of their duty. Very small number, safely below 25," Mr. Jackson said.
A Bill providing the regulations governing the improved management of pension funds in Jamaica, will on Thursday be carried before a subcommittee of Cabinet.
"That Bill will be before the Cabinet Legislative Sub-Committee. It provides for registration and certification of pension fund managers and administrators and seeks to ensure the security of pension funds being managed in the private sector," the Junior Minister explained. He was responding to queries from Ruddy Spencer, Member of Parliament for Clarendon south east, who was calling for the broad improvement of pension matters while supporting the passing of the three Bills.
