The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

This matter mainly concerns (a) Pensions of Senior Citizens, (b) Food assistance and (c) Housing situations of seniors in this country – dealing with their pensions.

Seniors are appreciative of what we receive, I personally feel that the Bahamas Government has made some strides in areas of the following discourse, including health care; however, there is need for more consideration to be given to the number of paid persons, and that beginning from the age of 60 to 65 years old from the National Insurance Board, for these individuals upon applying initially receives about $270 to approximately $290 per month in benefits.

From this sum, the electricity, the water and various other bills must be paid, then even if one lives in a Senior Citizen’s Unit its rent must be paid monthly as usual. So this writer believes, although if there is only a one member household occupant, their monthly pension is still small change, especially for these hard economic times.

We are experiencing the high cost of living in general, also taxes and the talk of more taxes. Then old age pension is raised every other year only, and that is eleven to twelve dollars added.

This is a small addition given for every two year period. It should be more, or done annually.

Now taking into consideration that our economy is currently on the rebound, and the government taking in $28m for the first month of VAT implementation, plus there are intakes from other taxes, then it is only fair that our retirement monthly cheque should not be less than $400 to $500 per month from National Insurance Board.

Next is food assistance: which presently stands at $84 minimum, and approximately $129 maximum for the elderly, the amounts are not much, for prices are high, so one may only be able to purchase a week or two weeks’ groceries with the amounts shown and allowed – with consideration given to larger households.

Finally, but of utmost importance and necessity, is housing: Seniors should never be housed on the same compound as the younger people, for many of the sites comprised of such dual habitats, they should be at separate locations; the reasons being, for the greater part most of the young folks are prejudice, harassing, causes disturbances, even periodically threaten, as well as, having a “jail” mentality amongst the seniors at the same sites.

So hopefully with the reviewing of all matters in this discourse then the relevant authorities would make improvements wherever possible. Thank you.

EZRA RAHMING

Nassau,

May, 2015.