Pitts Slams Pension Bill as “Judicial Elitism”

United Democratic Party Chairlady Sheena Pitts says the Briceno administration is creating “judicial elitism” with its new Judges Salaries and Pension Bill.

At the heart of the UDP’s objection is a stark contrast in how the bill treats different levels of the judiciary. While High Court and Court of Appeal judges would qualify for retirement benefits after just five years under the proposed legislation, magistrates must wait fifteen years to access similar protections as public servants.

Pitts argued the measure is unfair and undermines integrity in the justice system. “Here the government is telling us in our faces we are willing to assemble the National Assembly to pass legislation for the few, not the many,” she said.

She added that while no one disputes the need for proper compensation and dignified retirement for judicial officers, the bill creates inequity within the judiciary. Pitts called on the administration to establish a level playing field for all judicial officers.