Dear Editor,

The following is an open letter to the minister of labour and social security.

Minister Charles,

Congratulations on your new assignment as labour and social security minister. I am praying for you and the Government of Jamaica.

Sir, I am making a plea on behalf of the pensioners of this country.

The vast majority of pensioners are finding it extremely difficult to survive and their standard of living, in many respects, falls below the level of human dignity. With all the talk of Jamaica’s ability to significantly increase the wages of the political directorate in order to “attract and retain the best minds”, I humbly ask that you and the Government give urgent consideration to the plight of pensioners so that they can have peace of mind and retain good health.

As the newly minted minister, please don’t give a deaf ear to the human suffering of this demographic that has contributed so much to the development of our country and the privileges that you and I now enjoy. As a justice of the peace who is called on to authenticate life certificates for pensioners, I cringe when they explain to me what their pensions are. Many of these pensioners have given their entire working life to public service and are now living in squalour.

I implore you, Minister, to explore creative ways to assist our pensioners. I know it takes cash to care, but more importantly, it takes a caring Government to find the cash.

The way we treat the elderly is an indication of the quality of our society. As a historian, I want to remember you not as the son of a politician but as a politician who stood up and fought for our pensioners. I think you have it in you to deliver, Minister.

The word is always love for our pensioners.

Andre A O Wellington

Justice of the Peace

Manchester

andrewellington344@yahoo.com