Dear Editor,

A PERSON having worked for over 15 years continuously, and dutifully paid NIS contributions through the employer, at the age of 60, he or she is looking forward to have their pension.When that person goes to the NIS office, they will be asked what documents they have. If that person cannot show any, the NIS will tell that person they did not make their 750 contributions, and just give them a grant.

In 1970, I, Kumar Singh, worked with Mr. R. Persaud as an Operator, delivering filter press at Rose Hall Estate for two crops, where every week I paid my NIS contributions, but none was registered in the NIS office.
From 1971 to 1973, I joined AMS-FED Rose Hall as an Operator and G.D. Worker. From 1974 to 1977, I became a Charge hand, weekly paid junior staff; and from 1978 to 1987, I became a Foreman, a monthly paid senior staff.

In 1987, before I left my job for Canada, the Personnel Manager, Mr. Debideen, told me that I have made my contributions, and at the age of 60 I will receive NIS pension. I worked at various locations: Rose Hall, Skeldon, Albion, Lochaber, Providence, Blairmont, LBI, Diamond estates. I also received wages at these estates.
I also worked at the following projects: Mazaruni, Cocoa Field, Long John, Manarabesie, Bath, Ithaca, Mara; also Farmer’s Rice, Lonsdale, New Forest, Crabwood Creek, No. 19; also supervising transporting of machinery, punts, lumber, air spray etc. I worked from 1971 to 1987 without leaving my job. NIS told me that I did not make 750 contributions, but they admitted that computers make mistakes.

In 1992, I went to the NIS office in Berbice and filled my NIS Pension form. They took my NIS card, changed one number and give me a new card. In 1993, they told my son, who is my Power of Attorney, that I did not make 750 contributions, so they will give him a grant. In 1994, I went to the NIS office and lodged an appeal. I also spoke with the Manager, who told me that I did not have 750 contributions with the NIS, and I must get out of the office.

In 1996, I went to a lawyer to take up my matter with the NIS. Instead, I was fooled around for weeks, being told to come next week, come next week. In 1998, I went to another lawyer to take up my matter. He told me he would have a word with the Manager, but I was fooled around for another four weeks.

In 2000, I went to the NIS office in Georgetown with the documents in my possession. The manager told me there are a lot of mistakes, and sent me back to an officer at the NIS branch in New Amsterdam. The officer then went through my papers and told me to get a letter from my employer stating that I did work from 1971 to 1987. Instead of one, I give him four letters: from the Administrator J.B. Raghurai, who knew me from the time I was employed; from my foreman, Issac Zaber, who had employed me; from the Technical Clerk in the office; and from another Clerk who became a Supervisor at the time of my work.

Then the officer gave me a form to take to my Bank for the Bank Manager to sign and take it back to him, which I did. Then he told me that my pension money would be posted to the Bank. No money was deposited. When asked, they said I did not make 750 contributions.

In 2003, I consulted yet another lawyer. The same thing was said to me — that he would meet the Manager, come back next week. When I returned, the lawyer told me that the NIS manager told him that he would make a compromise; don’t go to court, but come back next week.

When I returned to him, he told me that the time span was too long and he could not handle the matter. Then the lawyer told me that the only way is to write the President.

I did write the President of Guyana, stating my entire career from 1971 to 1987, and I secured a clipping of the Stabroek News 19-10-03 from the Minister’s office, telling me that all these matters would be heard in May 2004.

Dear reader, if I don’t get through in May, please tell me what to do.
You work, pay your NIS contributions to the employer, then the NIS is asking you for documents, (all NIS contributions are entered in the Employer’s Book, then in the NIS Book). In 1987, I was given an incentive for the work I did in 1986, but the NIS Book does not have even one contribution for Kumar Singh, whose number is 110. Another name just above mine also has the same number 110, so I don’t know if someone else is collecting my NIS contribution. I am therefore pleading with someone to look into my matter. All I want is what is rightfully mine.
Regards,
KUMAR SINGH