There is a portion of our society that the country no longer seems to care about. I say country, and not government, because while it is true that the Government has not seen it fit to take up the cause of helping this portion of society, the rest of the nation has simply failed to take notice of their growing dilemma.
I refer to that group of citizens who have served this country for varying terms of employment for upwards of 30 years and have now retired–retirees–those people, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.They tied your shoes, taught you to ride a bicycle, put food on the table, worked long hours, gave you your first job and trained you to take over their positions. You have thanklessly let them disappear.
This part of our citizenry has helped to build this country through hard work for over three decades.The company's pension that is received is due to them because of their invaluable contributions over the years. However, the failure of the government to recognise the input of this sector is saddening. It seems as though they are being progressively pauperised and have been put out to pasture.
A vast majority of these retirees earn a pension above $3,000 per month and because of government policy/budget, are not entitled to Old Age Pension benefits.Many retirees from government employment–teachers, civil servants, for example–are in receipt of a pension below $3,000 per month. Many of us are willing to work but no one will employ us because of our age and status (retiree).
These citizens have been accustomed to a certain lifestyle which they are unable to maintain with these meager pensions and the ever-growing cost of living. Only a retiree knows the true cost of living.Why must we be deprived of our right to enjoyment of life?
Thus far, there is no provision to adjust our pensions to offset the rising cost of living as there are absolutely no adjustments or increases to our pensions. We have no contracts to negotiate improvements after retirement. This is fixed for whatever life you have left. To add insult to injury, we must also pay taxes on pensions in excess of $60,000 per year.
Medical cost is exceedingly high and very frustrating to access. A cursory visit to the hospitals/clinics will show the numbers of frustrated people awaiting attention. Private healthcare is a luxury with exorbitant costs that are only partially met by medical insurance coverage for those who may be fortunate enough to have it. Many of us are not in the best of health, live alone and have to pay for help for our daily needs.
We're not asking to skip the line here but just to have it acknowledged that we've been in line the longest.As prime targets for the ever present criminal element, our going outs and coming ins are severely restricted and so, for many of us our only entertainment is the TV but cable is very costly. Can the cost be reduced by metering or by paying for only those channels which you choose to view?
In the face of all of this we see the obscene increases in salaries and pensions proposed for those in high office who most times only serve in the positions for five years. A tax relief of $60,000 per year puts us in the minimum wage category but is devoid of any perks as an employee. Who can help us? Who will help us? Who will respect their elders?Just a few proposals to be considered for improving the treatment of retirees:
�2 Pay old age pension to all citizens of T&T who have attained age 65.
�2 Increase the pensioner's tax relief from $60,000 to $100,000 per annum for fully retired pensioners.
�2 Pensioners who are in gainful employment after retirement must continue to pay tax on earnings above $60,000 per annum until they become fully retired.
�2 Many of us are qualified and trained and would like to continue to contribute to society by helping the younger workforce. A suitable stipend could be paid for this.
�2 Remove vat from all utility bills similar to what is done with insurance premiums.
This letter is meant to highlight just some of the plights of these forgotten, retired citizens, with the hope that the relevant authorities will investigate and quickly do something for us.
Jattan Ramdathsingh,
Gasparillo