DLP to review proposed NIS pension changes

Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the National Insurance and Social Security(Amendment) Bill, tabled in Parliament last Friday. During the debate, Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector Colin Jordan outlined that the pensionable age will move from 67 to 67 ½ years in 2028 and then to 68 in 2034. In addition, the age at which a person becomes eligible to receive a reduced pension will also be adjusted from the current age of 60 to 61 in 2025, 62 years in 2028, and 63 years in 2031.   In his ministerial statement, Minister Jordan underscored that Government consults with the public for every major decision. He said: “In order to make the eventual reforms to revitalize the NIS a reality, we met and consulted with a wide range of stakeholders including: the Social Partnership; leaders of faith-based organisations; the Democratic Labour Party; the Alliance Party for Progress; independent Senators; the Executive Committee of the National Union of Public Workers; the Executive Council of the Barbados Workers’ Union; Unity Workers Union; Barbados Association of Retired Persons; the staff of the National Insurance Department; former Ministers, chairpersons and members of the National Insurance Board; members of the private sector; and managers of media houses.” The DLP however insisted it did not contribute to the process. “Contrary to the statement by Minister Colin Jordan in Parliament, the DLP was not part of the consultation for the Advisory Group on the NIS as the government abruptly removed the party from discussions without explanation after the DLP inquired about details since the DLP holds a firm view that consultation has to be meaningful and not merely window dressing. “Therefore, the decisions the government arrived at were its decisions and whomever it engaged.” The Ronnie Yearwood-led party said it will now “assess the two bills tabled in Parliament line by line and will address the nation in the fullness of time. “Given that the legislation will touch the lives of all Barbadians and its impact will be far-reaching, the DLP believes it is important to review the legislation in detail.”        ]]>