Monrovia – The Conference room at the Ministry of Justice, on Friday April 29, was a scene of excitement for 44 outgoing employees who were retired by the ministry.
The ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and relatives and loved ones who jammed the conference hall to witness the departure of their family members from active service in government.
“For some of you who are young, go out there and find another opportunity as your retirement does not mean to go home and sleep,” said Cllr. Emmanuel Tulay, Deputy Minister of Justice for Economic Affairs.
He also called on the retirees to accept their retirement because it is the issue of law.
Madam Wanneh Clarke-Reeves, Deputy Director General of the Civil Service Agency who represented her boss told the retirees that retirement is a time of reflection and to get involved in activities that one did not have the time and opportunity to do during employment.
“The Government of Liberia recognizes and commends you for the many sacrificial contributions made throughout your career in service. It is our prayer that you will be rewarded with good health and long life” she said.
The CSA deputy boss indicated the 44 outgoing employees will receive a well-deserved golden handshake package to commensurate with their tenures.
In addition, Madam Reeves also revealed that there will be a package and the retirees will also receive a monthly pension benefits as well as social security benefits from the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation upon reaching the age of 60.
She also revealed that the CSA, in collaboration with NASSCORP, is working together to reform the pension benefit and that government has recognized that the pension benefit needs to be adjusted and are looking at various options in order to increase the pension benefits.
A representative of NASSCORP present at the occasion wished the retirees success as they endeavor in the next adventure after leaving public service.
Winston Jah told the 44 outgoing employees that NASSCORP is in readiness to pay them their social security benefits but called on them to start now with the processing of the required documents.
Retired City Solicitor of Sinoe County, Andy Cheeseman, said that he has spent the last 32 years as prosecutor and now retired, adding that death and age are two things that one cannot escape.
“In life there are two things involved that one cannot avoid to overcome that is death and age” said Cheeseman who claimed that though he has been retired, but still remains available to serve as prosecutor if the need arises.
Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafrica