Government has launched a new War Veterans benefit card for those who helped defend Bermuda.

Announcing the new card on the eve of Remembrance Day, Senator David Burch said the initiative was brought about by the work of Derrick Burgess, Minister of Works and Engineering.

Adding that it would help the 183 registered veterans and 78 widows simplify a process that should be due to them for the sacrifice they made to this country.

He said: "This joint initiative with the Department of Social Insurance and the Parliamentary Registry was implemented to ensure that our war veterans continue to receive the well deserved benefits due to them under provisions advanced with the amendment to the Pensions and Gratuities (War Service) Act 1947, for serving in defence of our country and the world.

"The ultimate goal of this card is to make veterans and their widows' lives easier."

Last year the Government amended the War Pensions Act to include members of the Home Guard and all those who served both in Bermuda and abroad. The Minister of Finance also doubled the pension benefit to $800 backdated to April.

The new card was designed by Ivan Outerbridge of Eye Designz and will feature the photograph of the beneficiary alongside a photograph of the Cenotaph.

The back of the card provides the list of existing benefits — for example full coverage on all prescription drugs, medical tests at KEMH, and partial coverage for medical visits to general practitioners and specialists.

Veterans are able to collect the cards from the Parliamentary Registrar's Office at the Valerie T. Scott Building on the corner of Reid and Parliament streets with the correct paper work.

Should the card be lost and then found, they can be returned to the Department of Social Insurance.

If any veteran has questions in regard to the new card or who may be unclear of their benefits package, please contact the Department of Social Insurance at 295-5151 ext 1703.

Mr. Burch added: "The Parliamentary Registrar has very kindly consented to produce the cards — thus eliminating the expense or need to purchase new equipment. The low priority previously ascribed to veterans' affairs in Bermuda has disheartened and discouraged many of us.

"Many veterans had abandoned hope of seeing resolution of these long outstanding issues and so today we take another step towards justice for all our veterans."