Retirees stage protest

Retirees from government service and semigovernmental firms on Friday staged a protest while complaining that they have to beg for the money which was deducted from their wages. Hugo Pinas, spokesman at the action committee of the BBGO, on Friday told the press that the government is not doing them any favors by paying them money because “it is our money.” He announced that the retirees would present demands because they are entitled to receiving their own money. “Government we are coming,” said Pinas. The retirees want firm action to get their money and gave the government a taste of what is to come by occupying the Burenstraat for a short period of time. The main office of the BBGO is located along the Burenstraat. Pinas explained that a group of retirees are displeased because they still have not received their extra money. The union which is led by Renate Wouden complained that it is not being treated with respect by the government. The action committee therefore decided to support the union officials. Pinas explained that a government decree clearly states that the pensions of state retirees must be made inflation proof. “Retirees from semigovernmental companies such as NV Luchthavenbeheer, the Anton de Kom State University, RGD, Telesur etc also want to join the fight because they also deposited money for their pensions but it seems as if the government is also playing games with them,” said Pinas who added that he has assured them that the union would also fight for them.