Bradley Marcelle Fulgence, the United Workers Party (UWP) endorsed candidate for the Dennery North seat, has endorsed Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s plan to execute a pension plan for farmers, if the UWP wins the next general elections.
Speaking from a prepared statement at the UWPs press briefing on October 28, Fulgence noted that for decades the backbone of our nation has been the men and women who rise before the sun, Saint Lucia’s banana farmers.
“They toil in the fields, rain or shine, not just for their families, but for our country,” he said.
Many of these farmers, Fulgence claims, have been left behind, without pension, without security, and without recognition.
“Some have passed away without ever receiving a cent of what they truly deserved.”
It is for this reason Fulgence says that the UWP has launched the Save our Saint Lucia initiative which he describes as a bold and compassionate group of policies that aims to bring dignity back to farmers.
“Under this plan every banana farmer who dedicated years of their life to the industry, but was unable to make contributions to the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) will receive a monthly payment from the government,” the Dennery North hopeful disclosed.
“But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We also recognise that some of our beloved farmers have passed away in the last five years. Their families have carried the weight of their sacrifice and struggles.
The UWP will ensure family members of farmers who have passed within the last five years receive a one-time payment, a gesture of gratitude and remembrance.”
Bradley noted that this was not charity but justice long overdue for the people who fed this nation and kept our rural communities alive.
The proposed plan according to the UWP will see payments being made directly through the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the NIC and local farmers cooperatives.
“The UWP believes that development must start with fairness that when you have given to your country, your country must never forget you,” Fulgence says.
“This Save our Saint Lucia policy is a promise, a promise of fairness, dignity, and respect. A promise from the UWP to the people who made this island what it is,” he ended by saying.
