St Kitts and Nevis: Hundreds of retired Government Auxiliary Employees (GAEs) have received the cheques of their pension payments in a special event in St Kitts and Nevis on Thursday.
With the first payment, the government commenced the pensions to the workers who have provided service for at least 15 years.
The ceremony was held in front of Government Headquarters and attended by members of the Federal Cabinet, senior government officials, representatives of the Pension Reform Task Force and retired GAEs.
The first beneficiary of the event was Alice Govia who was a former early childhood teacher and provided service to the Early Childhood Centre. She expressed pleasure and added that she had a great experience while working as a teacher.
She noted that she always loved to work with the children as it gives her immense happiness and joy. Alice Govia also encouraged the youngsters to do hard work and good deeds as that will reap benefit one day.
Another beneficiary Vingrove Vaughn who worked as a carpenter in the Public Works Department and said that the 24 years of his life in the service was exceptional. He expressed pride in receiving the benefit of the work he put in over the years.
He also recalled memories from his work and added that it was good as he learned a lot from the service.
The distribution of the pension payment marked that this will continue for the rest of their lives as the workers 62 years of age will be eligible for the payment. While the beneficiaries of the pensioners who passed away before reaching the age of 62 are entitled to receive the pension for one year.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew also addressed the beneficiaries and added that this is the tribute to the contribution of these workers who provided service to St Kitts and Nevis over the years.
