The Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association is this month celebrating the 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 associated 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 all 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 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 to 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 past twenty-years. These include the association’s first president, Eddie Hunt, who was honoured posthumously. Winifred Roberts who also served as president, was also honoured posthumously. The full list of honourees is as follows;
Mr. Eddie Hunte (deceased)
Mrs. Winifred Roberts (deceased)
Ms. Daffodil Lockhart
Ms. Joan Underwood
Mr. Theodore Francis
Ms. Gloria Dabrio
Ms. Arlene Francis
Ms. Lorraine Ashterman
Ms. Agneta Hazelwood
Mr. Frederick Charles
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.
