Pensioners Approval UPP Manifesto

The country’s pensioners are lauding the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) 52 page manifesto, Defending the Nation.

President of the Pensioners Association, Eddie Hunte, is contented with the plans outlined by the UPP as they will bring considerable benefits to the country’s aged population. He adds that the UPP administration has cared for pensioners and expects that, similar to their actions in their first term, these promises will come to fruition.

Dr. Errol Cort, Minister of Finance & the Economy, recently outlined numerous new initiatives that will make the lives of pensioners more comfortable. There will be an introduction of a widow/widower pension where the living spouse will be entitled to collect 66.6% of the pension that was being paid to the deceased.

Presently, if a husband or wife dies, the living partner is only entitled to a one-time payment of 25% of the monthly allowance during the month of the spouse’s death. Another first that the UPP will like to introduce is to link the pension to the rate of inflation; thus, as cost of living increases, pensioners’ allowance will also increase.

If re-elected, the UPP also promises the formation of the Pensioners Modernization Programme which is geared towards stamping out many the issues facing Antigua and Barbuda’s golden achievers.

Pensioner, Gladwin Phillip, commented, “I am glad both parties are taking such a keen interest in providing for us. We are the pillars on which the country was built.”

“This country got most of my young days and now, me old, I shouldn’t have to struggle to make ends meet,” Arnold Francis added.

“Everybody thinks we should be left out because we have children. But your children have their families and, after 40 years of service, I deserve some gratitude,” said Gwen Francis.

All grades of pensioners have seen an increase in allowances. The Pensioners Association also receives an annual grant of $50,000 to assist in social and entertainment programs for its members.

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