War veterans are celebrating after Government pledged to end six decades of inequality over pension benefits.

Finance Minister Paula Cox yesterday pledged to “repay those who valiantly served their country” by removing vestiges within the Pensions and Gratuities Act which precluded some black war veterans from receiving benefits.

Ms Cox said that, until now, Second World War veterans who served as part of the First Battalion, Caribbean Regiment, Bermuda contingent, had never been adequately compensated for their service to Bermuda.

The Minister said benefits would be improved for those former soldiers, who were members of the black branch of the Island’s armed forces, known locally as Bermuda Militia Artillery.

Medical, dental and pension benefits will be extended, while pension benefit will be doubled from $400 to $800 per month, said Ms Cox.

Yesterday, veterans and their families said they were relieved at the news — but expressed their regret it had taken more than 60 years to happen.

Veteran Earl Darrell, 81, from Warwick, said: “It’s about time something happened. This should have been done in 1946.

“It is 62 years since we came back from this extravaganza overseas. It’s a hell of a story.”

William (Dougie) Roberts, 86, from Somerset, said: “It’s a great day and it’s about time. It won’t make any difference to my life, except that it means we are at last being rewarded after all these years.”

Raymond H. DeShield, son of the oldest surviving veteran, 98-year-old John N. DeShield, from Pembroke, said: “It’s something that’s long overdue for veterans.

“This will help my father, especially at his age — he requires medical treatment to maintain himself.”

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Ms Cox said: “We are here today ... to signal how we as a Government propose to chart the way forward in redressing some of the longstanding vestiges of racism and inequality in our treatment of our war veterans.

“This is long overdue. We are seeking to repay and honour the contributions of those who valiantly served their country. They did it because it was the right thing to do — not because they were seeking handouts but out of duty, honour and sacrifice to their country.

“They made their sacrifice and their needs were not seen to have been properly met on their return.

“In the 62 years since the end of World War Two, veterans in Bermuda have endured mixed fortunes largely based on their race or the nature of their service.

“Indeed some black war veterans have never been adequately compensated for their service to their country.”

Senator David Burch, the Minister responsible for Defence and a former soldier, said: “Today’s announcement ranks among the most gratifying of this job and serves as further motivation for many of us to continue to serve and effect real change.

“These amendments are significant steps forward to honour the service of so many of our sons of the soil who fought so bravely for democracy and freedom, more than six decades ago.

“The low priority previously ascribed to veterans’ affairs in Bermuda has disheartened and discouraged many of us.

“Many have abandoned hope of seeing resolution of these long outstanding issues. These men are the heart and soul of Bermuda, and we believe that these new proposals are critical steps towards properly recognising their service and sacrifice.”

Sen. Burch said members of the home-guard who defended Bermuda during the war would now be properly rewarded.

“This home-guard provided invaluable, necessary full time service and as such must be recognised with the full benefits,” he said.