Letter of the Day | A retired teacher’s desperate cry for help

THE EDITOR, Madam:

This is an open letter to Minister of Education Fayval Williams.

I am writing to you today with teary eyes, a heavy heart and a sense of desperation as I can no longer bear to keep silent about my current predicament.

I am a retired educator who has dedicated my entire life to serving our country through the noble profession.

It pains me deeply to inform you that despite my years of dedicated service to the education system, I find myself in a dire situation that threatens my well-being and financial stability in my twilight years. It has been more than two years since my retirement, and yet, I have not received a single pension payment. The delay in receiving my rightful pension has plunged me into a state of despair and uncertainty, leaving me on the brink of financial ruin.

I have spent my entire career pouring my heart and soul into nurturing the minds of countless students, imparting knowledge, wisdom, and compassion with unwavering dedication. I have always believed in the transformative power of education and have strived to make a positive impact on the lives of those under my care. However, the reality of my current situation paints a starkly different picture – one of struggle, anxiety, and despair.

The financial burdens I now face are overwhelming. I am inundated with mounting debts and the constant threat of legal action from banks over unpaid loans. Each passing day without the much-needed pension payments pushes me further into a downward spiral of despair and hopelessness. I find myself grappling with stress, anxiety, and depression, trying desperately to keep a brave face in public while concealing the depths of my suffering from those around me.

I am not alone in this predicament, as several other teachers have also sought to have the Jamaica Teachers’ Association intervene on our behalf but there are just promises from ministry officials to “look into the matter”.

Several trips to the regional office and to Heroes Circle have also taken me no closer to getting answers. It is just a case of being sent from one person or department to another and after a whole day, I head back home with more questions than answers.

Last year this time, we were told that the Government was focusing on the compensation review and after that was done, they would look at our issues. No such luck. Imagine going more than two years without any source of income, depleted savings, medical bills, and added stress. Luckily, a few fruit trees in my yard have been able to provide sustenance in these difficult times.

I cannot bear to face another day of uncertainty and financial insecurity. I am pleading for some urgent assistance in expediting the processing and disbursement of my pension, providing me with the lifeline I so desperately need to regain my footing and dignity in retirement.

I ask for compassion and swift action in rectifying this injustice and release the lump sum and monthly payments to alleviate my suffering and restore my faith in the system that I have devoted my life to serving.

Thank you for your attention to my plight and your prompt action in addressing this urgent matter.

RETIRED TEACHER