Public servants who have reached retirement age now have the option to be re-employed in the service, after parliament amended the Public Service and Pension Acts, on Wednesday evening.
The amendments make provisions for persons to be employed in the public service until 65.
Speaking in parliament, Minister responsible for the public service, Charles Savarin, said the amendments will reflect government’s policy decision for those who retire at the age of 60.
“Retirement for public officers will remain at age 60 but there will now be the option of persons to be re-employed up to the age of 65 years,” he said. “Therefore, madam speaker, this bill seeks to amend the Public Service Act by inserting a new section …..to address re-employment of public officers and re-employment in the public service beyond the retirement age of 60 years.”
However, according to Savarin, the person may not be employed beyond the age of 65 and permanent secretaries are expected to make recommendations for those who want to be re-employed after 60. “It is expected, madam speaker, that permanent secretaries will make recommendations to determine the need for the re-employment beyond the age of 60,” he said.
The amendments for both bills were passed unanimously.
Parliament was adjourned sine die, meaning a specific day was not assigned for further meetings.
Listen to Savarin in parliament below:
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Here is my conspiracy theory. Social Security is broke so why not run the old folkes until they cyan run no more. So either shorten the span of security benifits if they happen to get there. For example Charles Maynard portion is kept since he was still climbing the ministry at age 80. Just being real not cruel.
I don’t know about Charlo but I suspect is a Doctrine Of Neccessity that will remove him from the ministry.
So on one side of the coin it is good that Charlo, Gregoir and others keep working to prop up social security. There is sexual Viagra and work Viagra. Charlo keep taking your work Viagra papa.
I don’t know about this re-employment business. Why doesn’t the government just push the retirement age to 65?
Now that the law is passed, does that mean a civil servant can now “retire” at 60, collect his/her pension and then apply to get re-hired at his normal salary?
Good idea, but they should be used/employed as teachers and or mentors….etc at our learning institutions.
I knew that was charles plan long time ago;He would like to be acting PM one time, and skero would get killed like piere charles,so he can be PM for him to do what he want desperately for his whole life.But he will die frist befor that happen
Why would one wish ill on another person?
Is the post of Prime Minister so coveted by Mr. Savarin? Do you know him well enough to know what he wanted to do for his whole life? Please be sure to have you facts straight rather than pulling untruths out of thin air.
And can it be:
We are not saying welcome to to the new sexagenarian service just yet. For now, this extension in retirement age is only an optional rider and of course this is subject to approval, at our discretion. As you know, life expectancy for our men is now close to 90 and with things being as good as they are for those who make the mark, we could probably make it to 100. Life is good! Overall, the extension in the retirement age reduces or eliminates the “lost file phenomenon” that was becoming common with some of the guys.
It would be interesting to know whether there was any discussion with the Trade Unions on this matter and if so what were their concerns? One wonders what the youth organizations on Island, the Employers Federation and the Trade Unionists think of this legislation.
Generally, Labour unions are skeptical of these laws Unions usually fear that reemployment of retirees even on a temporary basis undermines the hiring of new employees and thwart the opportunities for the promotion and career advancement of existing staff.
The general rule is to foster HR succession planning, preparation for retirement, then retire the retirees with a focus of bringing in fresh, younger and more vibrant talent and skills.
It is noted that in the new legislation, reference is made of an “option” for the re-employed of retirees and that is limited up to the age of 65. Therefore, on balance, taking into account improvement in life expectancy etc, this is not a bad move by the government.
This has nothing to do with Charles Savarin, who is already 69 years of age and is not strickly speaking a Public Servant as a Senator/Minister.
In any event, however, the re-employment of retirees should only be on an exceptional basis with or without this legislative measure and perhaps without necessarily offsetting pensions.
The re-employment of retirees do have some qualified benefits such as meeting the need for experienced employees who can contribute to increase productivity immediately upon employment. Retirees also help train junior staff (which is better done before official retirement) and they also serve as effective mentors.
It is hoped that the legislation provides some inbuilt restrictions such as requiring a reasonable time frame of at least 90 days break-in-service before being eligible for re-employment and a limited period of employment is allowed per annum.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
My humble suggestion.
The current discussion over retirement age and re-employment in the Government service is exactly the kind of opportunity that could be used cretively for national progress and benefit to all involved.
Instead of camping on opposite sides of the issue and taking aim at the senior employees, or discouraging the younger ones, the situation could be made profitable for all by seizing this wonderful opportunity to make some strategic moves toward national harmony.
For example, If the Government eliminates the five years between mandatory retirement and the start of benefits for retirees, then create an apprenticeship organization around the country of retired or retiring employees at a (to- be- determined) percentage of their pay at the time of retirement) [on a limited hours basis] to nurture the younger generation of government employees (God knows the country needs some professionalism in the Public service) Then both parties to this affair can be convinced of the Governments concern about their status.
So one might ask, where will the money come from to start and maintain that apprenticeship? . The answer; From the same place their higher salaries would have come from for five extra years between mandatory retirement and the start of benefits.
Away from Home.
I wonder how many young people are aware of that…Strange country. One where many many people do not read..
A Hell of a Country.
A scary thing I must say, but you are absolutely correct. There have been several instances where I’ve called people in D/CA all the way from the United States to ask about important things I’ve heard and/or read about Dominica and they have absolutely no clue. I’ve had to reprimand them many times. Just don’t understand how people could live in such a small country and yet be so uninformed of things happening right under their noses.
therein is the problem, those young people don’t care about ISSUES facing them and their country, all they care about is when and where kkk playing this month end. I was like that too at one point in time.
but then I became a MAN/FATHER….which is the best thing that ever happened to me.
i am reading and saying to myself yes i is now Dominica will not have job for young people.Alas
Charles Savarin has been involved in union activities, politics and as a public servant for approximately fifty years and one would have thought with all that experience this man would stand above the rest when he addresses parliament.I heard Savarin replying to a statement made by Mr. James during the supplemental debate . Mr. James mentioned with that bill, he hoped things like what happened in the case of the bin and fertilizer boreballs will never occure again.He also explained in detail as to what happened during that alledged robbery.Charles’s responded that in 1992 the UWP ordered approximately $13,000 worth of fertilizer,it was bad,therefore had to be thrown into the sea.Charles wants to compare that with the alledged $500,000 which was later refunded to the Treasury,after pressure from the patriots,accusing Government of alledgely robbing the Treasury because of a Gabbage Bin transaction.What Charles conviently left out was that a particular Minister of Government who is sitting with him in cabinet right now was a Minister of Government when both tranactions took place.Charles must come to the realisation soon that he is to old to be in all that makaqui..
will always say again dominicans are not Brilliant Thinkers…dominica will always rank the Poorest in The Caribbean…
why do they think so lack lustre in Dominica..all where you pass everything seems out of touch…
wow..that’s really a strange island..
Dont worry folks, that is only to save social security. I think that the amendment will continue.. soon it will be at life expectancy…75.Dem politicians rather die in the job than to give young people a chance.
Remmember what I say If you are not a Labor party supporter you will never get rehired.This is a bill to take care of their own not Dominican youth.
I think it is a good move, if they use the skills of the older workers to train the young persons who are on the job market, so that they can be efficient in the work places. Because have gone to some places where they use persons who have all the degrees but no common sense. Sorry if I sound a bit harsh but it is the truth.
AND YOU WONDER WHY YOUNG PEOPLE CANNOT GET A CHANCE TO GET A JOB???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WONDER WHY PEOPLE UTILIZE FACTORS SUCH AS THIS AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION TO OBTAIN A JOB and NEVER RETURN TO IMPROVE DOMINICA…
LET THOSE PEOPLE GO AND REST AND GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE A CHANCE!!!>>> WHERE IS THE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL?? Ya’ll are a national organization that can speak on the issue! Young persons need jobs! GET DEGREES, with huge loans and nothing is being done about it!!…… STOP TELLING ME GO AND OPEN A BUSINESS AND START MAKING THESE OLDIES RETIRE SUPLAIS!.. SMH!!!
I totally agree wii
no opportunity for young people in dominica
only for the big shots and their friends
dominica is a freakin retirement home… young people dont stand a chance in this activon, bayrum and aspercreme smelling society….
DAT I SAY WI!!!!!!
See Chalo smile boy, u fighting hard to avoid bar-b-quing chicken by freedom house boy.
LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL woyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy woooooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy LOLOL loooook jokes boy….
boy I laugh that one till I cry!!
This is ridiculous. Young people out there can’t find jobs and this is what these politicians decided to do. This is really disgraceful.
Now D’icans are seeing for themselves that this present Govt haven got any intentions of making life better so that the younger generation can help themselves and their families it’s truely disgraceful the people should speak out this is the time for them to support the Union but a Union that will support their wishes .
I cant believe what these guys are doing right now in D’ICA agriculture and the young people are in the same category and it’s because of the policies of the Govt they are killing those two sectors and people have to fight to keep the Island alive.
Skerrit have distroyed the hopes and dreams of the younger generation and they have to start speaking out for themselves they know what’s going on around it’s their home, not many of the them will be able to move to North A’ica or even around the region to get employment, the National Council cant do much because they are so busy with politic instead of being there for the young people everyone down there are so incompetent they refuse to see.
what happen to the old must go to make space for the young ones???? stupid move I must say!
Her you all go again. Giving mepuis and not being objective. One has to scrutinise properly. You have the Social Security payments at 65 years. Now when I look around I see more and more people at 60 looking like they 35. Do we want to discard our elderly folks? and what happens between 60 and 65 when they retire and their pension only starts at 65. So I guess that is what was thought of whenthey amended this act. So before we make statements, we need to delve and see the pros and cons.
I notice that Dominicans are always complaining about everything no matter what. They have become a I and me and me alone person and they are not grateful to the Heavenly Father who made Heaven and Earth. They want the economy to move and they say they support Tourism yet they make a fuss about other ethnic nationals. They have all their relatives in all the other countries world wide but they have a problem when some other nationality comes here to try to work or do something for themselves. Without thinking, they say so many things forgetting that we are all the same in God’s eye. They only want to receive and yet they forget it is better to give than to receive. It is I, me and I alone. What if all the countries where our families, friends and other Dominicans are, they tell our people to go back home or they say is only their people to work or do business.
This is a ????????????????????? for you to ponder on. Just saying it as I see it.
I agree that the decision taken by Government is timely, thoughtful and should be applauded.
However your comments regarding immigration need to be addressed. As far as I’m aware in respect of employment in other countries, their nationals come first. For example in North America, an immgrant will not be offered a job where the skills required are available among US citizesn, except of course the job was rejected by the US citizen. Simply put our policy should be “Dominicans First”
Your comments are unjustified and baseless you are not standing up for the Young People on the Island most probable your’s are secured well that’s all well and good. Retirement is’nt a bad thing regardless if one takes at 60 or 65 that’s the law so untill the Constitution changes the rule applies but taking care of the young people on the Lsland it all of us responsibility so stop pelting your ignorace, or maybe you a one of those that believe that our young people would be better off in Jail Houses around the place I just cant understand any individual who wouldnt stand up for them.you a so hypocrite.
This topic is so unfair how can Charles Servince live with himself is his son still out of the country.
How is the whereabouts of his children relevant to the topic at hand, hmm? Furthermore, it shows a lack of respect when one can’t even take the time to spell a person’s name properly. “Servince”, really?!
once again this coming from those same people who
will say anything to satisfy their own ego.Dominica will never move forward with these kind of thinking, these policy makers would have thought about it before they implement plans.I say to those of age go and rest and give the youth an opportunity to help themselves..
Talk about discretionary spending.
That situation leaves all civil servants at the mercy of government. Tomorrow when workers come, all blue overage remains in position. A person must now take five years between retirement and social security if the eyes doh have it.. ah magras sa!
Skerro, Charles blue blue you big time. You should have known Charles is for me I and me. . Tell me why Charles still in Government and refusing to make room for young people/youths he love.
On the other hand some civil servants protecting their tuff take what allyou get. Soutiwey
Really?!! Where is the room for upward mobility. No wonder the public service so stagnant. And yes I am a servant. This makes no sense. Where is the room being created for younger heads to take over the helm? Really?!!!Dominica just regressing everyday I open my eyes. I’m already planning for my retirement at 50 you all talking bout coming back till 65. SMH.
Talk about late to the party
How can you allow social security benefits to be paid at 65 and force people to retire at 60
They should have gone hand in hand
But better late than never I suppose
its just a way for the government to pocket your social security money if you die before 65…this is the work of those free masons and illuminati.. they every where
SHAME ON THE OLDER FOLKS TSK TSK TSK TSK TSK
so what allu pass for the THOUSANDS of young people who are unemployed in my sweet Dominica? I’ll answer that for yall….NATHAN, NOTHING, NADA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dominica FULLLLLL off old people who don’t ever want to relinquish their STANGLEHOLD on POWER and POSITION…..
AS A YOUNG MAN/FATHER IN DOMINICA
I am ((((((((((((((((((DISGUSTED))))))))))))))))
with those who ought to be ushering the way for the NEW generation of thinkers and doers….
just look at Charles Savarin face….!!
and they say they are for the youth, already you all cannot give public officers a raise, allu can afford to re-hire old ppl that cannot work up to standard, and STILL pressing the upcoming officers when it comes to advancement and promotion? dont even ask for the years we have to spend waiting to just be appointed??? well well well put the icing on the cake, cause we D/cans dont have a say anyways. we are lil puppets to be played. its our fault. and yet we wonder why young ppl keep migrating. well ill be next!! as soon as i can im leaving, allu overdoing it now!
smh… no wonder there is no upward mobility in the public service. You all are stiffeling de service.ppl getting degree to remain in the position of jr clerk for 5yrs?
I don’t know what you talking about. Junior Clerk for 5 years is pretty much the norm down here. People entering the service as junior clerk,if the position is not vacant, what you want them to do, create a post JUST for you because you get a degree? Stupes! I don’t know why people that get degree believe they so special. In the bigger countries, you cannot enter any kind of decent job without a degree. All young people leaving college with a bachelor’s degree in something and when they start to work, they still have to start at the bottom, that is, in the mailroom, photocopying, fetching coffee for the boss etc. So just stop it and have a seat.
ok calm down piper what are you frustrated about you dont have a degree just say that, instead of letting off smoke
What is going on this means the dead heads at the top will never leave.
Same old antiquated method of doing things.
You all are taking “dying at the desk” literally.
Planting you alls people in th public service we know who will not leave
amen to dat, those who think they are indispensable, getting two pensions and still holding big post on contract, what is really going on? those ole square pegs, those stifflers, thier knees bending to climb the steps of the ministry, when they reach up they bawling for water but they doh want to go, poor young people that go out there to get qualified and come back… so you see why we must have a brain drain? … charles savarin, god be with yu garcon
Charles savarin u dat need to retire….u 70 plus
The man not yet 70, dimwit.
you must be riding C.S you that brightwit there!
I would do the same thing if I were Saverin to explain away why I only work 9-12 daily and stay home after lunch at my age and health even though I’m entitled for benefits, a graturity and pensio Plus my SS. That is beyond double dipping, but hey since you allowing them to stay up to 65 those that were vex about your situation, you just butter their lips!