Dr CHEDDI Jagan became the first democratically elected President on October 5, 1992. Speaking at the Trade Union Congress platform in Woolford Avenue, it is apposite to note that one of the long-standing calls of his government to remove the means test for old age pensioners, disabled and other differently abled people has now become a reality. He opined at that meeting with all trade union leaders, representatives and all stakeholders that for a government to give proper representation to the pensioners and disabled, they should be fully aware of their conditions and problems; have a thorough knowledge of their living conditions.
Dr Jagan always championed the rights of the poor and downtrodden by way of being an aggressive advocate for their rights and earnings. He fought against great odds for increases in pensions and successfully defended the cases of aggrieved pensioners.
The point to note about this entire event is that while he was in government at that time, he gave a place of pride to the disabled and pensioners who were appointed to the Committee. The Committee was weighted in favour of the disabled and pensioners. He never departed from his conviction that everything must be done to advance the interests of the pensioners and disabled. No one can deny that GAWU and its members played a leading role in the great struggle for the removal of the means test. I have noted the vigour with which the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security at Anna Regina, Branch Region Two, has been moving to resolve disputes as they relate to pensioner books being recalled.
Several surveys have been conducted over the past few months to settle issues of the means test which were long festering and which allowed some unscrupulous officers to deny pensioners their benefits. I welcome the readiness of the ministry to intervene and assist in resolving these matters.