In an effort to correct an "unlawful, illegitimate decision" and remedy "a great historical misfortune," a provision has been made in the 2003/2004 budget to award the widow of Lynden Pindling $500,000.
Prime Minister Perry Christie made the announcement as he closed the budget early Saturday morning.
Sir Lynden, he said, was "unlawfully" denied his rightful pension under the Prime Minister's Pension Act while he served in the House of Assembly after the 1992 loss of his government.
Currently, former prime minister Hubert Ingraham "enjoys the right" to receive his due payment under the Act, a right which was denied Lynden Pindling.
"For me, who was required to defend this man before a commission and who saw the pain, suffering and anxiety of some one who was then obviously ill, it is a great historical tragedy of immense proportions. The budget includes a provision to pay the widow of the late prime minister for pension benefits that were unfairly and unlawfully withheld from him during his lifetime," said Mr. Christie.
Last year, former prime minister Hubert Ingraham came under heavy fir efrom fellow parliamentarians who believed that as a retired prime minister, he should not receive a prime minister's pension while still a serving member of Parliament. It was under the same conditions that Sir Lynden was denied his pension.
Source: The Tribune
