An advocate for Bermuda’s elderly has pointed out a pathway for some seniors to obtain a British passport free of cost, in the wake of complaints from a pensioner at being charged.

Carol Everson, a case worker with the Bermuda Legion, responded to last month’s story in The Royal Gazette after a cash-strapped East End resident was unable to cover the $160 cost for a passport that had formerly been free for pensioners.

“The UK Government offers a free passport for persons born before 1929,” Ms Everson said.

While the 80-year-old St George’s resident would not have qualified, the allowance would give recourse to some of the island’s elderly.

“This is the British Government showing appreciation for the hardships endured during the privations of the Second World War,” Ms Everson explained. You do not have to be a war veteran or veteran’s widow in order to benefit.”

Seniors had previously renewed their passports free of cost, but the charge came back into effect last year when the responsibility for the printing of passports was switched from Bermuda to the UK office.

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