Parmesh Chand, who served as the chairman of the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) from 2009 to May 2010, has issued a heartfelt apology to pensioners for his role in reducing certain pensions back in 2012. In a public letter published in The Fiji Times, Chand reflected on the initial decision, which he and the FNPF board believed was necessary to ensure the fund’s financial stability.
Chand recounted the significant opposition from pensioners at that time, who asserted that following through with the pension cuts would breach established agreements and betray the trust placed in the FNPF. Despite these concerns, plans to cut pensions were implemented in 2012, with some individuals experiencing substantial reductions. As a result, many pensioners were left with limited financial support or opted for one-time lump sum payments.
He also noted that Decree 51 was enacted to prevent pensioners from appealing these decisions in the court system.
In a positive turn of events, the current Coalition Government has committed to restoring the reduced pensions to their original amounts. Chand expressed his support for the pensioners in their ongoing campaign for justice and stated his confidence in their success in a new democratic era. He concluded his letter with a sincere apology for both his earlier stance and the delay in acknowledging the impact of those decisions on pensioners.
This development marks a hopeful chapter for pensioners who have been advocating for their rights. The acknowledgment of their struggles and the commitment to restore their pensions reflects a growing awareness and responsiveness from leadership towards the welfare of senior citizens in Fiji.
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