WHERE IS MY MOTHER’S PENSION?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I write to express deep frustration and disappointment regarding the treatment my 90-year-old mother has received concerning her Jamaican teachers’ pension, as well as the pension benefits due to her as the widow of my late father.

My mother devoted many years of her life to teaching in Jamaica. For some time now, however, she has not been receiving her pension payments. In addition, she is not receiving the survivor’s benefits to which she is entitled following my father’s passing.

Although we now reside overseas, we have made every effort to resolve these matters through the proper channels, but continue to face endless delays and no meaningful response.

Since August 2025, I have travelled to Jamaica four times to visit the Accountant General’s Office on Dominica Drive in an effort to have these issues addressed. During my first visit, I even returned to the United States to bring my elderly mother back to Jamaica so she could appear in person, hoping this would expedite the process.

We have since submitted completed life certificates, as requested, and sent numerous emails and made countless telephone calls. To date, however, we have received no satisfactory response and the matter remains unresolved.

It is both unacceptable and unjust that a 90-year-old retired teacher, who served her country faithfully, should be subjected to such treatment merely to access the pensions she rightfully earned.

I hope that by bringing public attention to this matter, the relevant authorities will take urgent steps to resolve these issues without further delay.

Jacqueline Graham (for Philis Graham)