Vaz calls for better pension arrangements for MPs
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament (MP) for Portland Western Daryl Vaz has called for better pension arrangements for MPs.
During tributes to Douglas Vaz, his father, and former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) MP in the House of Representatives a short while ago, Vaz said that with the meagre pension benefits over the years families have found it difficult to bury former MPs with dignity.
“If it is one thing you can do and we should do on the basis that there are 10 former MPs for this year alone is to look at that in their memory – no matter how and what we are going through financially and economically as a Government it is time to deal with it so that when our time comes…so that persons who follow us, we will be in a position to say that something was done so that they can feel better about giving service to this Parliament and this country. Dignity is a very important thing,” Vaz stated.
MPs are eligible for pension after serving a cumulative nine years in the House.
Douglas Vaz, a former industry and commerce minister who served four terms in the JLP as an MP, passed away on the weekend at 83 years old.
Alphea Saunders
