Board members of the SMSPA told Minister De Weever that senior citizens would like to have equal old age pension as it is in the Netherlands, and proposed the installation of a National Committee to advise government on the equal implementation of old age pensions, social allowances and all other social, economic and cultural rights in this part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
SMSPA is also concerned with the fact that seniors pay more FZOG and SZV premiums than active workers. According to SMSPA seniors pay 10-10.4% of their pension income, whereas the active workers only pay 2-2.2% of their salary. The board drew reference to the situation in the European part of the kingdom of the Netherlands where the premium of the health insurance for all persons with an income under 1000 Euro (Ang 2300) a month and also for the children under 18 years of age is paid by the state, whereas here in St. Maarten only an income of under Naf 1500 is entitled to a medical card from government.
In addition, the SMSPA would like to collaborate where possible regarding World Health Day 2012 with this year's focus being "Aging and Health: Good health adds life to years." Minister De Weever applauded the SMSPA for wanting to participate in the information campaign, which can reach out to their members and address the concern of healthy aging.
Minister De Weever stated that it was a great meeting and is looking forward to a follow-up meeting with the organization. "I am looking forward to working with SMSPA in the interest of seniors here on our island," said Minister De Weever.
