THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has extended its operations to   Region Nine( Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) with the establishment of a permanent office at Lethem. A spokesperson for the scheme said that the objective is to provide social security coverage to farmers, miners and other self-employed persons in the region, as well as to workers in the burgeoning commercial sector at Lethem.
Public Relations Officer Mrs. Dianne Lewis-Baxter disclosed that prior to the office being established at Lethem, NIS activities for coverage for self-employed and commercial workers had been restricted to once per month visits to the region by inspectors based in Georgetown.
She said that it was generally felt that this method had not been very efficient in ensuring that eligible persons were being included in the social security net.
She said, “It is generally agreed that Lethem is a community that is rapidly growing in importance.
“Management felt that the time was ripe for a permanent presence in the area.”
She said that both employers and employees will benefit from the new facility.
Employers will find it easier to make their payments. So too will the   self-employed.
The presence will also result in a larger number of persons being registered and make it easier for those who wish to make claims.
The office there will also make life easier for pensioners in the region who have traditionally had to depend on the administration of the   Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to make arrangements for their pensions to be collected in Georgetown and taken to Lethem.
The office, with a three-man staff, was established last month and is currently housed in the RDC complex.
Baxter said NIS plans to obtain its own accommodation at Lethem soon.