War veterans entitled to benefits for their service have still not received them despite new legislation passed earlier this year, Government has admitted.

Many of those who served during the World Wars have never been paid a veteran's pension.

Some who served overseas were never informed by the Bermuda War Veterans Association or Government of the day that they were entitled to payments.

This situation mainly affected black soldiers who served in the black branch of Bermuda's armed forces, the Bermuda Militia Artillery (BMA), Bermuda Militia Infantry, Bermuda Militia Engineers and the Caribbean Contingent of the BMA.

Others of both races who defended Bermuda on the home front during World War Two were never recognised for their service.

An announcement by Government and subsequent legislation passed earlier this summer was supposed to redress the balance.

The news that six decades of inequality was at an end was warmly welcomed at the time by veterans and their families.

However, according to Shadow Minister for Seniors Louise Jackson the benefits have not been forthcoming.

"They've not received a penny. It seems unconscionable to my mind," she told The Royal Gazette.

In response to inquiries about her claim, Calvin White Sr. Assistant Director, Pensions, in the Department of Social Insurance, said the newly-entitled veterans have not been paid due to challenges with verifying who is qualified ¿ but they should be forthcoming within weeks.

In April, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier Paula Cox announced that amendments to the Pensions and Gratuities Act would mean that soldiers who served both at home and overseas but did not receive assistance would now be eligible to receive veteran's benefits.

In addition, these benefits were doubled from $400 to $800 per month and means-testing as a method for determining qualification would be eliminated, she said. She also announced that medical and dental benefits would be enhanced for veterans. The legislation was approved by MPs and the Senate between June and July.

One of those still awaiting benefits is John DeShield, 99. Having served in Africa and Italy with the Caribbean Contingent (BMA), gaining five medals in World War Two, he is the oldest surviving war veteran in Bermuda. Currently in poor health and bedridden, Mr. DeShield has recently spent time in the Continuing Care Unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital which has cost $121 a day.

"He is in his hundredth year and he still hasn't been remunerated for his contribution to his country," said his daughter Elizabeth Isaac, 75, from Pembroke, who said her father was never informed of his right to benefits. She hoped the recent moves by Government would lead to him getting them at last along with help with his medical bills, but this has not been forthcoming.

"It's a known fact that not only my father but others too in that Regiment are entitled, but as far as I know and understand they have not been informed how to go about getting it," said Mrs. Isaac.

"So many of them have died, but their widows and families should even at this late stage get something. We care for him at home but right at the moment he's in the Continuing Care Unit, and we've had no help with the medical expenses. I don't feel he should have to pay, being a war veteran. I get very upset. All of them served and they should be recognised."

Another veteran, aged 83, who served abroad with a British force during World War Two told The Royal Gazette he has not received benefits either. The man did not know he was entitled to benefits but the publicity prompted him to inquire about this. "I think it would make a big difference to me (although) I'm not pushed the way I was. One time I didn't have any money to buy a bag of cement to renovate my house. I'd never heard anything from Government until this past Friday when they said they wanted a record of my service and they copied it this morning," said the man on Monday.

Mr. White said: "No, the newly-entitled veterans have not received their payments but we anticipate that they will begin to receive the payments within the next two weeks and all payments will be made retroactive to April 1, 2007. One of the challenges we have experienced is being able to independently verify persons as members of the qualifying units. We have not been able to obtain a comprehensive list from the Bermuda Regiment or other sources and some of those applying as veterans may not have produced a discharge certificate, a service record or other proof of service such as a photograph but we are working with those who do not have the required documentation to expedite payment to those who are legitimate war veterans. We are also considering assisting war veterans without proper documentation by having them to sign an affidavit that can be attested to by a third party to prove their identity as war veterans."

Veterans can apply for benefits through the Department of Social Services.