According to the NIC, the main aim of the Golden Citizens Program is to reduce the financial burden on pensioners by offering exclusive discounts. Approximately 60 businesses, both large and small have registered to participate in the programme, offering discounts of up to 20% on goods and services as well as other incentives.

“The government has taken a very proactive approach as far as the elderly is concerned. It’s the first time in the cabinet of 2021 we’ve had a Minister with specific responsibility for elderly affairs. We are tasked with having a policy which will integrate elderly people into the economy and the workings of the country,” Prime Minister Pierre said in commemoration of the golden card.

As part of its Universal Health Coverage Programme, on July 1, 2023, the government launched its G0lden 80 Plus Health Package. All citizens 80 years and older, can access medication, one annual hearing test, eye care services, prescription drugs, the Community Wellness Centres, and eye screening and surgery at the Cuban Eye Clinic at the Old Victoria Hospital Plant free of cost. The government has also aggressively addressed elderly care, through its Home Care Programme which provides daily health-aide care to elderly people islandwide.

The current average life expectancy for Saint Lucia in 2023 is 74 years of age - a 3% increase from 2022, when the average life expectancy was 71 years, from birth to death.

The Prime Minister, however, highlighted the issue of decreasing birth rates and the effect this has on the NIC Fund. At present, Pierre says, he is determined to give pensioners the financial relief they need.

“We understand the plight of pensioners which is why in both of my budgets, I’ve given pensioners one-off payments. It’s not enough, but at least it’s a help,” Pierre said.

The Prime Minister further announced negotiations with the NIC and trade unions to improve the rate of pensioners’ salaries in the coming years.