The Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association is this month celebrating its 25th anniversary of its coming into being, with a formal recognition of those who contributed to the growth of the organization since its inception.
At a special anniversary luncheon held last Friday, current president Evans Bennett said the association had successfully negotiated for many of the benefits that pensioners enjoy today.
“Over the past twenty-five years, the association has negotiated benefits for pensioners, and even today many pensioners are not aware that it was the association that secured these benefits which they are currently enjoying. The association is the bargaining agent for pensioners; whether its pension increases, the PVD electricity grants, or food vouchers, etc., they did not come by chance but through negotiation by the association over the last twenty-five years,” Bennett stated.
The ABPA president also welcomed the announcement that there will be an increase in the full amount for food vouchers in the coming year.
Bennett made an appeal to the members to continue to support the efforts of the association and remain engaged in whatever it is doing, as they will see direct benefits whenever improvements are negotiated with the government.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to those members of the association who had made outstanding contributions over the last twenty-five years. These included the association’s first president, Eddie Hunt, who was honoured posthumously.
Mrs. Winifred Roberts was also honoured as president, and Ms. Daffodil Lockhart was also honoured posthumously.
The full list of honourees is as follows:
Mrs. Winifred Roberts (deceased)
Ms. Daffodil Lockhart
Ms. Joan Underwood
Mr. Theodore Francis
Ms. Gloria Dabrio
Mrs. Emme Francis
Mrs. Lorraine Ashterman
Ms. Agneta Hazelwood
Mr. Frederick Charles
Mr. Eddie Hunt (deceased)
The association also expressed its appreciation to the several sponsors who helped to make the anniversary luncheon a success. These include Christo’s Wholesale, Goddard Catering, Anjo Wholesale, Hutchinson’s, Chase Supermarket, Townhouse Megastore, Wheels Supermarket, and PDV CAB.