What is astonishing is how easily pensioners are forgotten in Trinidad and Tobago
Their pensions remain virtually frozen while the cost of living continues to climb. Electricity increases. Water increases. Property taxes increase. Food prices increase. Insurance, transportation and almost every household expense increase.
But the pensioner is expected to survive on the same income.
Where is the justice in that?
A pensioner cannot simply walk into an employer and demand a salary increase. Many spent 30 or 40 years working, paying taxes and contributing to this country. They have already done their part.
Yet governments seem quite comfortable increasing the cost of living and then expecting pensioners to somehow make ends meet.
THIS IS NOT COMPASSION. IT IS ECONOMIC PUNISHMENT FOR GROWING OLD.
While politicians, senior officials and others can receive increases, allowances and benefits, pensioners are left struggling to pay their basic bills.
A pension that was adequate years ago has been eaten away by inflation. Government does not have to officially reduce a pension INFLATION DOES THE JOB FOR THEM.
Pensioners are not asking for charity. They are asking for the purchasing power they earned through decades of hard work.
If Government has the authority to increase electricity, water, taxes and other charges, then it also has a responsibility to ensure that pensions keep pace with the rising cost of living.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
OUR PENSIONERS DESERVE BETTER THAN BEING REMEMBERED ONLY WHEN POLITICIANS NEED THEIR VOTES.
Gordon Laughlin
Westmoorings
