And the Briceno justified the idea of pension reform because he said that the non-contributory pension just isn't sustainable. It costs the government about $100,000,000 every year and it's only increasing. And that reform might come soon since the government has already started looking at the budget for the next fiscal year. One major change is that more funds will be allocated to the Youth and Sports Ministry. The minister, Rodwell Ferguson, spoke about why the extra funds are necessary.
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth and Sports
"The youth and sports budget is about 4.5 million dollars. Its basically mainly for salaries, so there is nothing for any programs and any activities. So last week we had the cabinet retreat, I was able to lobby hard enough and so we got an additional 2 million dollars for youth and sports, so I really appreciate that."
Reporter
"Thats not a lot."
Hon. Rodwell Ferguson
"Thats a start. And with the situation in the country, the prime minister acknowledge that he is going to give back teachers and public officers their 10% come July 1st. And so it will be a strain on the economy, because what we took over, nothing was there and then also with the blue bond, remember under the previous administration they were not paying the superbond, so now with the blue bond commitment, even though its less money we are going to pay back, we have to make sure that we find that money every year to pay the blue bond. I want to open back sports. We are going to start basketball amateur on 7th May nationwide and in the end, they will play for the championship of the country. We want to open back primary school sports and also softball, volleyball across the country. We have the FFB that is responsible for football, so they will assist us in making sure we improve football, but I feel that with what is happening with sports and youth, it's going to be a dimension."
