At his weekly press conference on Thursday, January 18th, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo addressed concerns expressed by the Parliamentary Opposition about the recent 2024 Budget allocations.
When asked his views on the Opposition’s claims that the Government is “only investing in infrastructure”, he replied that they wanted them to “eat every cent and forget about tomorrow”.
He reminded reporters at the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s Freedom House of the people-centered initiatives and actions made by the party since they resumed office.
“We wish we could have given a lot more to pensioners but look at the record”.
Vice President Jagdeo particularly stated that despite the criticisms made by Opposition Members of Parliament about the $3000 increase in old age pension, it was their party that removed the provisional requirements for receiving old age pension.
According to Jagdeo, pensions are contributory, and “it is not a salary”. He stated that even as low as it is, it is higher than the wages of some workers in parts of the world.
Effective January 1, 2021, the old age pension increased from $20,500 per month to $25,000 per month.
Shortly after assuming office, the PPP Government in 2021 raised old age pension from $20,500 per month to $25,000 per month.
Following the announcement of the 2024 Budget, the old age pension increased from $33,000 to $36,000.