Dear Editor,
Stabroek News dated July 13, published a letter captioned ‘Rules should be framed by NIS to govern workers in the mining industry.’
The Scheme wishes to thank the writer for highlighting the core objective of the National Insurance Scheme and showing how vulnerable workers are when they are not covered by NIS.
It must be noted that over time NIS has been appealing to employees to take an active interest in ensuring that they are covered by the National Insurance Scheme, especially those who work in industries that are exposed to high industrial risks. .
It is very sad indeed to read in the dailies about the number of “mining accidents and the resultant loss of lives.” It is hoped that the employers themselves would become concerned and respond positively, that is with a sense of humanity and responsibility ensuring that all employees are covered by the National Insurance Scheme.
Touching on the issue of entitlement to benefits, it must be pointed out that dependents of deceased insured persons could be eligible for Funeral, Survivors or Industrial Death Benefits.
As it relates to the classification of insured persons as employed or self-employed and the acceptance for benefit of late paid contributions, NIS again wishes to reiterate that these are matters determined by the National Insurance Board.
The Publicity and Public Relations Unit can be contacted on 227-6851 or email nispublicrelations@ yahoo.com should you require additional information or further clarity on this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Dianne Lewis-Baxter
Publicity and Public Relations Office
National Insurance Scheme
