Honouring obligations
published: Monday | April 5, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

ON MONDAY, March 29, I went to Liguanea post office to redeem two pension vouchers only to see a sign on the glass which read 'No Money for pensions'. There were three elderly ladies and an old gentleman ahead of me in the line, apparently immobilised by the bad news. I called out to the lady behind the counter asking when money would be available. She answered. "I really don't know. Try again on Thursday."

I was heartbroken to see the reaction of the poor pensioners in the line, obviously more immediately dependent on what little money they get than me. I turned on my heel and walked out, juxtaposing in my mind the plight of the pensioners with the $30 million being spent to take care of Haitian refugees. Is the government really so broke that it can't honour its obligations to pensioners. Minister Portia Simpson Miller needs to step up to the bat and tell the public what is happening.

I am, etc.,

PENSIONER