Dear Editor,

A letter written by me in the Letter Columns of both the Staborek News and Kaieteur News of Wednesday, May 15, 2019 under the caption ‘This increase should have been applicable to all National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Pensioners.’ The following day, the Publicity and Public Relations Officer of the N.I.S., the long standing and very knowledgeable officer, Diane Lewis Baxter, responded by indicating that the issue of an increase for pensioners who are above the minimum rate is currently being discussed by the N.I.S. Board and Management, and that was surely welcome news.

Then on Thursday, January 09, 2020 on page 12 of Stabroek News under the caption “NIS announces pension increase”. More good news, paragraph two states clearly, minimum rates for old-age and invalidity pensions have been increased from $32,100 to $35,000 per month.

Nothing more was mentioned so as to indicate if this increase is across the board so that all old-age pensioners would benefit, including those pensioners who are receiving the maximum payable.

This article is somewhat ambiguous and more information is clearly needed. It is public knowledge that when the annual increase for workers is announced, it does indicate the percentage of increase to be added to the existing salary or wages, so all the employees have to do is the maths.

I see no reason or reasons why, in this case, the same cannot be done. However, I am extremely happy that there are increases.

It is impossible for it escape ones attention as regarding the amount of increase percentage wise that this APNU/AFC Coalition Government has given or made payable and this is irrespective if you are a pensioner of not.

Regards,
Archie W. Cordis
Pensioner