RADHICA DE SILVA and PETER CHRISTOPHER
Now that pensioners have to pay to use the inter-island fast ferry, some are wondering whether their free bus tickets will be taken away. But Social Development Minister Donna Cox said there was no need to worry.
"That Budget announcement did not speak about the removal of free bus tickets. There is no cause for worry," she said.
Guardian Media took to the streets to find out how the elderly were feeling now that they have to pay $25 one way and $50 return if they use the fast ferry to Tobago. While some felt it was unfair, others were unfazed.
At Claxton Bay, Saheed Mohammed rode his bicycle through Mount Pleasant Road. He said he enjoyed the free ferry previously and felt it was unfair for the Government to take away this privilege from pensioners.
"I don't feel good about it. It is not supposed to be so. The way how everything is expensive now, it is hard for pensioners," he said.
He said paying for travel was difficult when you are living on a pension.
"As a pensioner, I have bills to pay and sometimes my pension doesn't last for the month. Doing this to us is not the right thing," Mohammed said. "They say they are giving us an extra $1,000, but I'm just getting the feeling that they may take away the free bus ride too."
Darryl Mangaroo, who works with the elderly, also said it was unfair.
"While they were young, they contributed to society and paid taxes. It is really unfair. Pensioners should have the luxury of using the ferry and bus for free," he said.
Mangaroo called on the Government to be more considerate of the elderly.
"My dad and neighbours are ageable people, and they need a break. We pay attention to them and help out. Having them pay to use the ferry will affect their health and well-being," he said.
Suresh Sohan, left, disagrees with the move to make pensioners pay for a trip to Tobago on the ferry.
RISHI RAGOONATH
Another pensioner, Surush Sohan also disagreed with the move.
"It's very sad. Nobody ever said why they are doing this. What is it, they don't have money? Well sack the Government out and get new people. That is not making sense. Old people need to get a trip on the ferry. When you're fed up at home, you can spend a day in Tobago," he said.
During the last budget, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced that those over the age of 60 will have to pay $25 one-way ($50 return) to use the service from January 1.
Meanwhile, at the Port of Port-of-Spain yesterday, every pensioner who spoke to the Guardian after returning from Tobago in the afternoon sailing of the Buccoo Reef said they had no issue with the new fee.
"I mean, this requires a lot of maintenance and $25, I find that's a steal of a deal. It could have been more," said Augustus Ramkissoon, who travelled to Tobago for free 36 times last year.
Bucco Reef passenger Eugene Trim.
ANISTO ALVES
This view was shared by Eugene Trim, who asked, "What is to pay $25 to go to Tobago and come back?"
Another pensioner, Mariam Douglas said there were several other things which are currently free to pensioners, and she did not feel burdened by paying the fee for inter-island travel.
"$25 is not gonna destroy us. We get free bus, free education. We cannot live in a world where everything is free. We have to be fair. It's not $200 they are asking for, it's only $25," said Douglas.
Verna Fields said she was initially upset when the fee was announced, but after taking the trip yesterday she felt the money was needed to pay staff and maintain the vessel.
"Yes, at first I was sceptical. I was like, how they go do me that? I'm a pensioner, I work so hard. But now that I see the staff, the different expenses they have with the boat, I said it is not bad, it is good," said Fields, who also admitted she travelled for free on the boat several times previously.
Marian Douglas arriving in Port-of-Spain after sailing on the Buccoo Reef.
ANISTO ALVES