OPPOSITION Senator Colonel Trevor MacMillan has tabled questions in the Senate concerning anomalies which he says have been created by the transfer of pensions benefits for policemen and women from the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Senator MacMillan, in questions directed at the Leader of Government Business in the Senate A J Nicholson, wanted to find out:

. Is the honourable minister aware that the amendment to the Constabulary Force Act, approved by this Senate on February 9, 2007, only affected members of the ISCF who were enlisted in the JCF on or after February 27, 1998?

. Is the honourable minister aware that 187 members of the ISCF were enlisted in the JCF during 1997?

. Is the honourable minister aware that 175 members of the ISCF were enlisted in the JCF in 1989?

. Is the honourable minister aware that the amendment to the Constabulary Force Act of February 9, 2007 does not cover those ISCF members who were enlisted in 1989 and 1997?

. Does the honourable minister consider this situation to be fair and just?

. If the honourable minister does not consider it fair and just, then what action is the government going to take to correct this unjust situation?

On February 9, the Senate approved amendments to the Constabulary Force Act, which fulfilled a condition of the transfer of police from the ISCF to the JCF, on or after February 27, 1998, linking their years of service to enhanced pension rights on retirement.

During the debate, Senator MacMillan questioned the cut-off date of February 27, 1998, and asked what would happen to those who were transferred prior to that date.

He suggested that the amendment should have been more general, to allow other people who had been transferred earlier to benefit from the facility, as well.