Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says there is a possibility that the proposed pension age of 68 could be lowered at some time in the future, but only if the numbers related to economic and population growth allow.
She made the comment during what she described as a heart to heart with the people of Barbados from Ilaro Court, touching on a range of issues that included pension reform, integrity legislation, state owned enterprise reform, tourism and water.
Prime Minister Mottley says while Government stands ready to hear all views and recommendations on the issue, one of the realities is that Barbados currently pays the highest pension rates in the region, and double that of many other countries.
This as Barbadians continue to live longer, with one in two Barbadians who started drawing pension in 2000, still receiving their pension up to today.
She has asked that the issue not be politicised merely for political gain, since it ultimately impacts everyone and Government is working in the best interest of all Barbadians.
Prime Minister Mottley has also reminded that the proposed measures will not impact anyone who is currently sixty years or older.
The Prime Minister has also weighed in on another issue raised by some critics during the ongoing pension debate – regarding the pensionable age of members of Parliament.
In expressing concern that politicians are often generally cast in a negative light despite their important contribution to national development and growth over the decades and successive administrations, Ms. Mottley says she believes the age should also go up from its present of 50 years. She says the issue is one that will engage the Parliamentary Reform Commission.
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