Opposition Leader likes PNP’s Pension Package

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, March 18, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly was on Thursday March 17 a united force  as the Leader of Opposition, Edwin Astwood put his support behind the Pension Amendment Ordinance and the Public Sector Employee Pension Fund Bill 2022  Bill were tabled for debate.

“It is a good first step and I am glad that it is here.” He said.

Astwood referenced the Bible story of Solomon and the two women who both claimed one baby saying that despite the fact that the pension plan was not his baby did not come to the people under him he was very glad that it came regardless.

“It’s not a bill for me, not just for the people of Grand Turk, it is a bill for all the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” the Opposition Leader maintained.

Hon Astwood did say though there were some concerns  and he made reference to persons who had already retired or left the workforce and whether or not benefits would reach them as well.

“A lot of people have left the service and did not got their right benefits, a lot of people feel aggrieved how they left the service and what they got, so I do think we have to do something for those individuals,”said the People’s Democratic Movement, party leader.

Ending his contribution on the bills, Astwood described the proposed legislation as a combined labour of love carrying on over at least three administrations.

It is believed as many as 3,000 will benefit immediately from the measure, which is expected to pass through with approvals in the House of Assembly in time for the new fiscal year, which traditionally begins on April 1.