SABA – Dave Levenstone, a candidate for the United People Movement (UPM) in Saba’s March 2027 election, has called on the Island Council to present a motion during Budget Week directing the Executive Council to organize a special New Year’s gathering in January for retired civil servants.
In a Facebook post, Levenstone noted that motions appear on next week’s agenda and urged one or more council members to bring forward a proposal for the event. He described it as a way to show continued appreciation for retirees who served 25, 30, or more than 40 years and “contributed immensely to the development of the island.”
Levenstone highlighted that some former civil servants, after working for modest salaries, now receive pensions that do not adequately meet their needs. “It’s time to say thank you retirees for your dedication,” he wrote. He contrasted the situation with the annual recognition given to active civil servants, who receive a US$100 voucher and dinner parties at year’s end, adding: “So be fair to our retired pensioners.”
He estimated that around 100 retired civil servants are still alive and noted that other islands hold similar events for their pensioners. Levenstone suggested the motion could be advanced on a cross-party basis and offered assistance if needed, while stating that he was not proposing the gathering for any personal benefit.
The call comes as Budget Week approaches and ahead of the March 2027 Island Council election, in which Levenstone is standing as a UPM candidate.
