Champion of make-do generation

It would, however, be foolish to suggest that all categories of Islander share equally in our community’s prosperity.

One group in particular, pensioners, may find it difficult to make ends meet at the best of times, let alone when the economy is experiencing difficulties and the cost of living seems to be rising inexorably.

Many among the younger generations who are much better off will be at least vaguely aware of the pressures faced by the elderly on limited fixed incomes, but it is to the credit of Senator Alan Breckon that he has raised the issue and called for action.

Senator Breckon, who is not among the politicians vying for re-election next week and therefore cannot be accused of vote chasing, says that there are too many ‘make-do’ pensioners who suffer in silence as they struggle to pay for food, electricity and heating oil.

Merely stating that this is the case would, of course, achieve very little, but the Senator has a commendable plan to make at least some difference.

At present, the old-age pension is linked to rises in the Island’s average earnings index. Unfortunately, this has tended to lag behind inflation in recent years, so the Senator says that pension increases should be in line with either the earnings index or the rate of inflation, the higher figure being the one chosen for the adjustment.

This proposal merits support, even at a time when public sector economies are being sought and cuts are being made in so many areas. Conditions might be difficult, but they are not so dire that the Island can claim to be unable to do its best for its senior citizens.

Having worked long and hard and having in many cases contributed greatly to Island society, our elderly people deserve to enjoy retirement years free of anxiety over being able to afford the necessities of life.

Senator Breckon’s ideas would not guarantee this for everyone, but, if implemented, they would keep pensions in step with the cost of living and help to address the all-too-real problems that he has highlighted.