"We are dealing with humans" - Finance Minister

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, during a special ceremony to commemorate the scheme's 53rd Anniversary, implored NIS to deal directly with employers about employee claims.

With a previous backlog of more than 14, 000 claims, the Finance Minister noted that less than a thousand claims are still to be rectified. While the number has reduced significantly, he asked the management of NIS to avoid another backlog of claim cases.

“Some of the cases that come before us are inexplicable […] I have had cases […] astonishing more than 20 years to get their pension. Some of the persons are into their 90’s still awaiting pension.”

Previously, persons registering for retirement benefits from the National Insurance Scheme experienced issues finding employee contributions. In some cases, the wait for employee benefits is excruciating, according to the minister.

“We are dealing with human beings. Over and beyond that, we are dealing with our Guyanese brothers and sisters. And, in particular, our senior brothers and sisters.”