Castries: Philip J Pierre, The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, while commenting on the relaunch of the Golden Citizens Program said that this will help the pensioners of the country in many ways. He also appreciated the National Insurance Corporation for this Historic decision for the welfare of pensioners.
This scheme has been relaunched with the aim of providing discounts on goods and services to Retired pensioners. This has been relaunched on Friday, December December 15, 2023, under the name of “Celebrating your golden years with exclusive rewards”.
It is to be specifically mentioned that initially, this program was launched in the year 2004, and it has now been relaunched. As per the information under this program approximately 60 business houses have come forward to offer up to twenty per cent discounts on goods and services.
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre also took to his social media handle. He stated, “I applaud the National Insurance Corporation for this reimagined Gold Card that seeks to provide consumer discounts for their pensioners. I encourage Government pensioners to take advantage of the programme through the Retired Persons’ Association. To the 60+ businesses which have provided the discounts, thank you for supporting those who have served our country.
The retired, elderly and vulnerable groups continue to be a priority to this government. We recognise that global inflation acutely affects our pensioners and we are proposing measures which will allow for increases in line with public servants during negotiations with unions. The NIC has already given a 4.2% increase to all of its pensioners, whilst we have given one-off payments of $500 and $600 in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
We will continue to be a government of compassion and provide support, particularly to the most vulnerable amongst us”.
Social media users also lauded the decision. A user, Fedora Letang, commented, “I thank god that we have a labour government under our prime minister Philip J. Pierre, so much love and compassion, especially for the senior citizens. I wish you good blessings that you continue to put your people and country first”.
Similarly, many other social media users also express their gratitude to the government.