Debate on Pension Reform to Begin November 6

Debate on the proposed reform of the public sector pension scheme is expected to get underway in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 6.

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, says a report has been received from the Parliamentary Committee, chaired by Minister without Portfolio in the Finance and Planning Ministry, Hon. Horace Dalley, which is deliberating the matter.            

"I expect the debate to begin, with the (permission) of the House Leader, because it is an urgent task,” he emphasised.

Speaking at  the second Social Development Commission (SDC) parish/Town Hall Meeting in May Pen, Clarendon, on October 31, Dr. Phillips restated the administration’s commitment to the process, against the background of  foreseen challenges in sustaining payments from the Consolidated Fund, while noting the protracted delays which some pensioners reportedly experience in getting their payment.

“In order that we can guarantee the amounts and the receipts, we are committed, subject to the approval of the House, to a contributory pension scheme in the public sector, which will allow for guaranteed returns on the pension,” Dr. Phillips said.

Wednesday’s meeting was one in a series of islandwide fora, being jointly staged by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and its agency, the SDC, under the theme: ‘Government and Governance’.

The meetings are aimed at providing Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, and other members of the Cabinet and Government, with the opportunity to engage the public in discussions on a range of topical issues.

The fora are also designed to facilitate relevant government agencies with opportunities to provide updates on programmes and initiatives, specific to the local and parish levels.