The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) says given the importance of the amended legislation governing pensions and national insurance, it will go through the two bills “line by line” before making a definitive statement.
“Given that the legislation will touch the lives of all Barbadians and its impact will be far-reaching, the DLP believes it is important to review the legislation in detail,” the party said in a statement on Saturday.
The statement also refutes claims that it was part of the consultation process with Government as it was “abruptly removed” after asking for more details.
The full statement follows:
The Democratic Labour Party is closely watching the two pieces of important legislation relating to National Insurance Scheme, pensions, and retirement; the Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the National Insurance and Social Security (Amendment) Bill, tabled in Parliament on Friday 28 July 2023.
Contrary to the statement by Minister Colin Jordan in Parliament, the DLP was not part of the consultation for the Advisory Group on the NIS as the government abruptly removed the party from discussions without explanation after the DLP inquired about details, since the DLP holds a firm view that consultation has to be meaningful and not merely window dressing.
Therefore, the decisions the government arrived at were its decisions and whomever it engaged.
The DLP will assess the two bills tabled in Parliament line by line and will address the nation in the fullness of time.
Given that the legislation will touch the lives of all Barbadians and its impact will be far-reaching, the DLP believes it is important to review the legislation in detail.
We wish all Barbadians and visitors well during the last lap of the Crop-Over season and be safe. (PR/SAT)