Love, it is said, brings out who we really are. Love also makes one do strange things. In this saga encompassing the Retiring Allowances (Legislative Service) Bill, and the Judges Salaries and Pensions (Amendment) Bill, put the word “money” in place of the word “love” above, to understand the many surprises which await the unsuspecting public.
I was surprised that the Government had the gall to present such a proposal. After all, the Government members have all become exceedingly wealthy since assuming office. A pension is what they do not need, and it is only due to unmitigated greed that the government members want to become even more wealthy when out of office. This is what the obscene pension proposal will do for them.
A very big surprise is that the Opposition led by Dr Keith Rowley supported the rapacious proposals. I cannot imagine Patrick Manning (as PM, or Opposition leader) proposing or supporting such unconscionable proposals. It was always thought that the PNM stood for fairness, honesty and equity.
The people are supposed to come first, in the policy of the PNM. The organisation is supposed to adhere unwaveringly to the constitution. Patrick had human failings like all of us, but he had God in his heart. Those ungodly proposals could not see the light of day with him at the helm. Something has gone terribly amiss, but consider that the devil was once an angel.
There is so much suffering, starvation, destitution, inequality and abject poverty. Only selfish minds could conceive those obscene pension benefits. If “allyuh” take so much, what is left for other just as deserving people to get?
Dr Rowley, visit the hospitals, see the maimed, the lame, the twisted, and the emaciated. Look into their eyes, and see the hopelessness. Many are pensioners—retirees from the public service. Poor people cannot afford medicines to ease pains, but parliamentarians, and a select few, want to drink Moet et Chandon. Dr Rowley and others, you can close your eyes and stop up your ears, but the fact remains that the people (even if you call them rats in holes) are angry, boiling angry!
The biggest surprise was the attitude of the judges. One retired judge started to rejoice and send out thank you messages. I waited in vain to read a release from the Judiciary saying that they will not accept the pension increases approved in such a manner, especially when it may be unconstitutional. The judges, out of all people, should particularly appreciate the need for separation of powers. I ask all the players involved: what triggered this grab for money?
Hilton Charles
via e-mail