THE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ a story in one of our daily newspapers suggesting that there is a bill to be brought to Parliament in order to increase the pension paid to ex-PMs. I was beyond shocked.
The bill is proposing that the former public servants will be paid a pension equivalent to their salary at the time of demitting office.
This benefit that is to be accrued will come with full allowances (some up to $800,000 per year). A quick total of the allowances only would total more than $2 million, for WHAT? This is a totally immoral and unconscionable act. Jamaica is a country moving quickly into poverty, owing mainly to corruption and poor decisions. This would prove to be one such decision.
Let us not forget that while the Prime Minister was on the job he would have been provided a salary, even though the country pays for all his living expenses.
This I can deal with while he carries out the country's business, but if he is no longer doing the job, the full benefits should no longer accrue.
I am, etc.,
RYAN KIRLEW
dundee_21@yahoo.com
