Pensioners do get an annual increase, Health Minister clarifies
Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley has clarified that pensioners in the Virgin Islands already receive an annual increase to their Social Security pensions, even as renewed calls are being made for the government to do more to ease the financial pressures facing seniors.
The clarification came during the House of Assembly debate after Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn urged the government to consider increasing pension payments, arguing that many seniors are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.
Walwyn said that during his engagements with residents, the needs of seniors continue to stand out. He noted that he was disappointed not to hear a clear commitment during the budget debate or the Speech from the Throne to increase pensions paid through Social Security.
In response, Minister Wheatley said it was important to clarify that pensioners do, in fact, receive an increase every year. He explained that the adjustment is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and usually takes effect in January.
“Whether it’s adequate or not is another question,” Wheatley acknowledged. He noted that for pensioners who receive very small payments, the annual CPI-based increase can be “very negligible” and may not make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.
The minister agreed with calls for a more substantial or extraordinary increase, particularly for pensioners who depend entirely on Social Security. He highlighted that some retirees, especially those who worked in the hospitality sector with low base pay and reliance on gratuities, end up receiving very small pensions.
Wheatley said the issue is actively being examined by his ministry. “It’s something we are actively looking into,” he stated, signalling that the government is aware of the concerns and is considering options to better support pensioners who are most in need.
The exchange among the two legislators adds to ongoing concerns in the territory about the cost of living and the adequacy of social protection for seniors, as pressure mounts on the government to ensure that pensioners can live with dignity amid rising prices.
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When was the last time pensioners got an increase
Not at BVIEC and other statutory organizations I know.
Wondering where that increase the gentleman of the 9th district is referring to, because i do not and have not seen it since becoming a pensioner.
Perhaps more details should be presented as they can tangibly show their differences in their ungodly huge raises.
If there is such a yearly raise, but is intangible, then why raise it in a public forum, to appear human and ease the conscience?
That is Satan appearing to be holy while trying to appease the suffering.
Which pensioners?
Pensioners who did not have to contribute one dime to the pension being received. strupes
They have worked and contributed to this country as much as anyone who thinks the way you do.
Stop being heartless and renew your vows to your Christ.
65 year olds @ $20 a month? That can’t even buy and maintain false teeth.
Do citizens contribute to a pension? Technically, no. While some statutory bodies and private companies operate contributory pension schemes, there is no across-the-board mandatory contributory pension system—particularly within government.
Against this backdrop, it is a slap in the face for politicians to debate what pensioners should receive while they themselves collect double pay. They can afford luxury vacations, access the best healthcare, and buy foods that ordinary citizens simply cannot.
What is most disheartening is that many politicians do very little, yet after serving a few terms retire as millionaires, while hardworking civil servants are treated with utter disrespect. The harsh reality is that most government retirees were low-wage earners, and the pensions they receive are insufficient to sustain a decent standard of living. Many retirees live under constant stress, and some die before even reaching 65—while politicians qualify for generous pensions after serving just two terms.
Is this right? Especially when so many politicians underperform, fail to deliver meaningful results, and do nothing to improve the quality of life for the people of this country?
There are various types of pensioners. Who gets this annual increase? Those 65 and up? When last? Those who are not 65 as yet such as those who left after making the years with government? We are tired with these blanket statements so explain yourself
To highlight the disparity, it would be beneficial if additional details were provided. Presenting concrete figures and specific information regarding the substantial raises received by certain individuals would clearly illustrate just how significant those increases are compared to the lack of corresponding improvements for pensioners.
Such transparency would make the differences evident, emphasizing the magnitude of the raises and the stark contrast in treatment.
The situation can be likened to a force that presents itself as righteous or benevolent yet only seeks to placate those who are suffering without addressing the root causes of their hardship.
This outward display of concern is ultimately hollow, serving more to maintain appearances than to effect genuine relief or meaningful change for those in need.
The retired former employee requires support regarding matters of well-being and mortality, rather than additional political discourse.
The BVI governing political body today is dominated by those whose actions and policies reflect their own interests rather than the common good of the masses.
It is within this environment that some individuals are able to accumulate significant wealth for themselves, maximizing their own prosperity without regard for the broader population.
Those very individuals often appear in the media, making public statements that suggest pensioners are being adequately supported or receiving meaningful benefits, when in reality, pensioners see no improvement in their circumstances.
The disparity between these claims and the lived experiences of pensioners highlights a system that allows the privileged few to thrive while the needs of the vulnerable are dismissed as insignificant.
These politicians can tell a bold face lie sah.
Ok AJPT.
He forgot the “Not”
I retired in 2008 with a pension of $801 per month. It is the same today. So what is Mr. Vincent Wheatley talking about? Social Security gives a small cost of living adjustment. Government pension and social security are two different things
Creative Destruction , Creative Destruction , Creative Destruction!. Austrian and Harvard economist Joseph Schumpeter in his 1942 book Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy coined the term “ Creative Destruction.” Basically, creative destruction is, for the most part, canning the old, bringing in the new. Innovation is about creative destruction. For example, technological improvements means setting aside the old to make room for the new. Further, in the administrative realm, creative destruction entails periodic reviews of policies, procedures, processes, practices, etc., for currency and modernity, making necessary changes, eg, removing altogether, adjusting, etc. The creative destruction process should be applied to the public sector retirees compensation system with the view to modernizing it, providing compensation with which retirees can live comfortably enjoying the quiet, use, and enjoyment of the VI or elsewhere in their golden years.
Moreover, civil servants are the lifeblood which carries the oxygen of public service, working tirelessly and sacrificing to deliver services. Nevertheless, Civil servants are often unflatteringly and brutally caricatured as useless, incompetent,lazy, bureaucratic , etc., until their assistance, services are needed, ie, during a disaster, urgencies, , etc. Would life be chaotic in their absence? Paradoxically, the supposed vices of civil servants are also their virtues.
Further, senior civil servants serve as vital and critical advisors to elected and appointed officials, for their experience in public affairs, technical knowledge, expertise, etc. Moreover, overall civil servants are the “ work horses “ of the public sector and should be commensurately and adequately compensated during their active service, as well as in retirement. Often institutions acknowledge that human capital are their most important resources. Nonetheless, often they don’t receive top billing or top priority.
Moreover, Elected officials in what is colloquially labeled the “Greedy Bill” and recently as result of a compensation review their compensation packages upgraded, etc. Why can’t the same cannot be effectively done for the “ work horses”? Empty words are not enough to address the supposed public sector low compensation package; words in action are needed. The talk, talk must walk the walk. Talk is cheap and money buys land a wise local sage notes.
Leonard, a couple of things. First, you are a retired civil servant but did not advise us that you were, showing partisanship . Secondly, you are advocating for increase public sector pensions but did not take into consideration the affordability, impact on local budget. Further, you made generalities for increasing pension but give no specifics for doing so. The public sector scheme is flawed. Employees contribute nothing towards their retirement . There is no sinking fund ; the system is a pay as you go; fragile at best. It is an unfunded liability, approaching approximately $400M or higher. The system needs to be revamped.
Ed Lenard is right and you are an idiot as politicians do not contribute to any pension scheme nor do they get off their a** and bring revenue to the country. Instead they rape the treasury then tell us there is no money. If it is too costly for the working class then it is too expensive for the politicians. They need to scale back their salaries and stop making excuses. If they cannot lead then step aside
Home boy, creative destruction. Sounds as if you trying to blow up something. You know we are not going to read a long epistle . Keep it short . Brevity for clarity .
@@E.Leonard. they can revamp, vamp, and crank. If a man/woman worked 25, 30, 40+ years of his life for the government. He should be compensated after hook or crook as bad as it is.
Lennard, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is creative destruction, creative destruction, creative destruction? How and can it help the cause of the long suffering retirees?
@@E. Leonard, what is unfunded liability? The politicians got their bread buttered on all sides and along the edges with choice of meat kind sandwiched between slices, so they don’t give a rat’s ass about civil servants, especially those at the lowest rung on the economic ladder. Civil servants can be hopeful but should not keep their hope high. Politicians are a few who look out for their little narrow group. If change is going to occur, it will have to happen at the polls.