APNU to increase old age pensions if elected

TIMES INT'L

As the country prepares to celebrate Senior Citizens Month in October, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) this week revealed its plan to improve the livelihoods of the elderly by increasing their pensions by 100 per cent.

However, APNU could not spell out how it intended to do this.

Coalition executive Volda Lawrence at the partnership’s press conference on Thursday said APNU recognises that senior citizens require special attention, and noted that the party has huge coalition to make them more comfortable.

APNU said it will be committed to providing this group of people with proper disposable income, as the cost of living has affected them in several ways. In addition, the party says it will look at reviewing and modernising the regulations governing the computation and payment of pensions, as well as modernising the National Insurance Scheme to increase the scope of coverage and ensure its financial viability.

The coalition also has plans to enhance the health and recreation facilities made available to the elderly in Guyana. APNU also stated plans to review and modernise other services being offered to the elders.

Government in its budget for this year has set aside money that will benefit more than 42,000 pensioners. Senior citizens now receive Gy$7500 a month; this is a 14 per cent increase over the past sum of Gy$ 6600.

Water payments are also subsidised for those pensioners who qualify, giving the elderly some measure of independence, and the ability to take care of themselves.

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