After months of ducking and dodging the Opposition’s questions, we finally got an answer today—nearly 500 retirees have been brought back. 480 will get their salary plus collect full pension under this PLP administration.
That’s hundreds of long-suffering civil servants and young, qualified Bahamians pushed even further down the line, watching job opportunities go to the same people who already had their turn. Furthermore, even in EXCEPTIONAL cases, when a retiree is brought back, they should not be brought back in their previous substantive role
The government claims these retirees were brought back to train and mentor young professionals—that’s laughable. Why should we believe they’re doing it now if they weren’t doing it before?
Now, we have even bigger questions: How much is the PLP’s rehiring spree costing the Bahamian people? Who are the hundreds of retirees that the government believes we simply cannot do without—what essential functions they are carrying out? Will the government be prepared to publish the full list of these individuals along with the terms of their contracts?
We need a government that is serious about empowering the next generation to get their duly earned opportunity to lead.
This Davis-Cooper administration has made it clear: They are not that government.
Hon Michael C Pintard M.P.
Leader
Free National Movement