A disappointed pensioner’s cry
Published:Tuesday | June 20, 2023 | 12:07 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
After working for over 35 years as a trained teacher and retired for 16 years, my monthly pension is $68,000. Based on the recent announcements, I will receive an increase of $1,800 monthly.
Pensioners purchase the same items as everyone else. Sometimes we purchase more because the monthly medications associated with the various illness affecting us, force us to take out a big chunk out of our monthly pension.
Apart from the fact that we retire with all sorts of illnesses and are on daily medications, the government pensioners are treated like ‘donkeys who are neglected by their masters’, as we can no longer work. Hence, we are placed in a corner, awaiting final banishment.
Another concern I have as a pensioner is the poor services at some government agencies, such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS). After numerous calls and waiting, I have grown weary. My husband died in June 2022 – over one year ago. A week following his passing, I visited the MLSS office and made an application for the burial allowance of $90,000. All the relevant documents were submitted and at the time of writing this letter on June 18, 2023 –over one year since – nothing has been received. I was told over two months ago that the cheque was waiting to be signed and I should expect a call as soon as it is ready for pickup.
Must I understand that in these modern days with all the technology available, a burial allowance should take over a year to be processed? Or should I think otherwise? What if that money was in fact to be used to bury my husband? He would still be at the morgue. I would be grateful if some considerations be given to the plight of pensioners, especially those who have to wait on burial allowances. This requires urgent attention, as it is indeed a disgrace to me as a pensioner and other Jamaicans. I am hoping for a Good Samaritan to hear my cry. Thanks in advance.
CONCERNED PENSIONER