Dear Sir,

I note that the social security pension is frequently mentioned by politicians as an indication that the Government is paying attention to this section of the community. And it is both good and true that we seniors are seeing a rise in funds paid.

I thank the Government for that. But I draw attention to those persons over 65 whose working career would be described as civil servants; those who have paid their 5 per cent faithfully into their pension fund, and have had a matching 5 per cent put in from the Government.

I can only speak from my limited experience when, as chairman of the Bermuda Police Association, I headed our contract negotiation team. It was always the government position that police salaries were modest because of the very good pension benefits they would receive upon retirement. And, to a large extent, we went along with that.

However, there has been no upward adjustment since 2012, and in fact, the monies received has gone down as the Government Employee Health Insurance rates were raised on two occasions. I suspect most politicians are not aware of this. It is just something that has dropped through the cracks, so to speak.

I would suggest making good on these promises would result in less senior hardship, and therefore less demand on the funds of the Department of Social Services. It is also more dignified to receive what you are due than having to go looking for handouts, as I suspect is happening right now.

Going forward, there are difficult political decisions to be made. We are all living longer; our pension pots are in sad shape. Good leadership makes difficult decisions. Perhaps it is time the retirement age is reviewed and the percentage of salary paid into the pension pots adjusted upwards.

JEFF PAYNE

Southampton