- Norman GrindleyHerman Ricketts, left, first vice-president of the Jamaica Government Pensioners Association, chats with Reverend Guy Roberts, right, and Edgerton Wynter, a member of the association, during the organisation's 34th annual general meeting, held yesterday at the Karram Speid Hall, Merle Grove High School in Kingston.
Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
GOVERNMENT PENSIONERS yesterday lashed out against what they said was the disrespectful way in which the Accountant General's Department (AGD) treated them whenever they called to inquire about their pension.
"They show no concern about our problems," said Edgerton Clarke, vice-president of the Jamaica Government Pension-ers Association (JGPA).
His comment was supported by pensioners, who came out in droves to the JGPA's annual general meeting held at the Karram Speid Auditorium, Merl Grove High School, St. Andrew, to share what they said were bad experiences they had while trying to get information about their pension.
After listening to their complaints, Deputy Accountant General Rose McKay explained that the AGD had received some complaints and was conducting sessions to improve the department's customer relation service.
JGPA President Clinton Davy declined to elaborate on the issue, stressing that the AGD was doing its best to improve conditions for pensioners.
Mr. Davy, who was returned as JGPA president at the meeting, said pensioners' major concerns were the level of pensions being given.
"The devaluation of the currency, increased inflation over the years, and the fact that our pensions are based on salary of yesterday years, all these things combined have reduced considerably the purchasing power of the pensioners," said Mr. Davy during an interview with The Sunday Gleaner shortly after the meeting.
He said the Government has approved $150-million this year to be divided among the 17,000 pensioners. According to him, Minister of Finance Dr. Omar Davies had given permission for an increase in that figure, but it may not be enough.
"All this has been finalised, but it is never sufficient," Mr. Davy said, adding: "We are aware of the financial constraints under which the Government operates."
