September 29, 2011, is a significant date for the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), as it marked its 42nd anniversary. To commemorate this occasion last Thursday, several activities were planned, including cricket matches, domino tournaments, an anniversary run, a cultural extravaganza at the Theatre Guild Playhouse, and donation of books to the Children’s Home.
At a commemoration ceremony on Thursday at the NIS Brickdam office, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jennifer Webster, stated that at this time, when the NIS is observing its anniversary, the mood of the country is upbeat, promoted by successes in implementing the economic policies, improvement in the delivery of goods and services, and of course focused attention on promoting greater efficiency to continue the developmental agenda.
The vision of the PPP/C administration is being realized daily, inspiring Guyanese here and abroad to identify with it and invest in different ways in the future of Guyana, she said.
The biggest visionary development is the move to a green economy in Guyana, articulated in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and its accompanying details, she said. She further stated, “The National Insurance Scheme is a formidable, welfare institution in Guyana, providing short and long-term benefits to hundreds of thousands of Guyanese at a cost of approximately $1B each month. Services are being provided from 14 local offices criss-crossing the length and breadth of Guyana, supported by a work force and the appropriate infrastructural technology”.
At the ceremony, 18 persons were awarded for providing 20 years of service, while five persons who provided 30 years of service, and five retirees were honoured. Twelve parents were provided with bursary awards for their children who excelled at the National Grade Six Assessment.
Pensions were increased by 5% on January 1, 2011, and the minimum rate for old age and Invalidity pension was increased. The Lethem office was commissioned on January 3, 2011, while several campaigns were launched to monitor compliance for the scheme’s clauses and regulations.
“We have begun to see such efforts bear fruit, and we encourage all those engaged in business to take the opportunity to voluntarily regularise their situations if this has not yet been done,” said NIS General Manager Doreen Nelson.
“ We have noted that many employers are seeking to relinquish their responsibilities, by giving contracts and having potential employees collude with them to defraud the funds. We ask that this practice cease,” she said.