The reformed pension programme for the public sector will become effective June 1 this year.

Parliament this afternoon (Apl 5), by 52 votes, amended the constitution to allow for the new pension fund to be established.

The government had announced that public sector workers would be required to contribute five percent of their salaries to the public service pension fund that would be separate from the consolidated fund.

There were howls of protests and criticisms over the manner in which the pension fund was designed.

Finance Minister Audley Shaw says there were several consultations with relevant stakeholders to arrive at a consensus on the programme.

Mr. Shaw says the contributions by workers will be phased in, starting at 2.5 %.

The Finance Minister says pension reform is a must if the country is to move forward

Meantime, special provisions are to be made for the retirement of police officers.

During discussions on the reform of pension for the public service, a meeting was held with several stakeholders following concerns about the initial proposal.

The reform was to have taken effect April 1, however Finance Minister Audley Shaw has announced a June 1 implementation date.

While speaking in parliament this afternoon Mr. Shaw states that police officers will be able to retire at age 50, once certain conditions have been fulfilled.