November 7, 2011Dear Sir,I was an absentee Bermudian, who because of parental decision, came to grow up in the US. In 2004 I came back to Bermuda, and though I hated being here, I gave in and accepted that this was to be my home.After numerous jobs, jobs of which amounted to nothing more than small businesses building wealth for its family members, I became discouraged and accepted a position with Gorham’s because it had no personal interest, it was an entity that operated much like the larger companies. I was fired from Gorham’s and left with no where to turn, all the money I had is tied up in a pension that I didn’t even want but was forced to have because of the Government. Now that two years have lapsed Argus Insurance says I can’t get my money because it’s vested, but its serving me no good, the only one prospering from my money is Argus who has millions.After approaching Argus I asked for any and all alternatives, what they did was direct me to the Pension Commission. I went to the Pension Commission but they told me I had no recourse unless I needed to pay for my kids education, of which I have none, or severe medical needs, too of which I have none or finally to pay my rent of which they would give me 22 percent of my amount, but in order to do that I have to fill out an application the size of a novel and that there would need to be a rental agreement. I don’t have a rental agreement because I don’t have a formal rental agreement with a landlord, I was lucky enough to be taken in by relatives who are willing to give me a place till I find a job.But in the meanwhile I have no funds to pay creditors, buy groceries, or even get a haircut to make myself presentable to go to an interview. I went to apply for Assistance, but was turned down because I haven’t been unemployed long enough, what in the world do these people who have all the funds, even some that belong to me, expect me to do, commit a crime?Why can’t people who have lost their jobs, but have pensions, be afforded a small amount similar to unemployment insurance, something to carry you through an employment search. It’s a wonder why people commit crimes and then society is looking for an answer to that, my answer is give me my money that I worked so hard for, let me use it now that I need it instead of waiting till I’m almost dead.PERPLEXED PENSIONERSandys