St Kitts: Opposition blasts pension changes

The Opposition People’s Action Movement has criticised the Denzil Douglas-led government for moving to cut civil servants’ pensions but leaving the pensions of politicians untouched.



According to the party, it is unfair that officers who join the public service, after the passage of the new Pensions Bill will see their retirement money reduced below the level of their contributions.



While acknowledging that ministers’ pensions are covered by a separate law, the Opposition noted that pensions for lawmakers in the federal parliament will not be affected.



It said while the People’s Action Movement was not opposed to pension reform, the present draft appears very defective and biased against public servants.



The Opposition wants lawmakers to consider withdrawing the proposals and appointing a parliamentary committee to discuss them and make changes.