NIS NEWS

PENSIONERS APPRICIATION DAY 2005

The National Insurance Services continues to provide a safety net for the general populace of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Diaspora. In addition to the financial services being provided by the NIS, we continue to play a major role in the lives of our many pensioners. This is done through an annual event called Pensioners’ Appreciation Day.

This year’s activity was held on October 10 th, 2005 at our office location. The Ceremony commenced in a formal manner with staff member Winston Edwards undertaking the task as MC. The gathering was addressed by members of the Board Mr. Lloyd Small, Chairman of the Board – Mr. Lennox Bowman, Executive Director – Mr. Reginald Thomas and the key note address was delivered by Minister of Finance and Prime Minister – Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonsalves.

In his presentation, Dr. Gonsalves outlined the different areas of increases which were approved by Cabinet. “Many pensioners will see an increase in their next fortnight payment and will also receive retroactive payments from July (effective date for the increase)” the PM indicated. The benefit increases as indicated by the PM are as follows:

 

Adjustment of Pensions

Pensions that were awarded prior to January 1, 2005 are to be increased 3% for every year (or part thereof) from the later of December 31, 2002 and date of the award, maximum increase of 6.0%. The increase in pensions to be paid for weeks after June 30, 2005.

Increase NAAP amount and minimum pension

Increases of Grants

All of the following increases to be effective July 1, 2005

Increase the NAAP funeral grant to $1,900 from $1,800 and for the spouse, increase the grant to $950 from $900. Similar increases to be given to the dependent children ranging from $950 for children 10 years and older to $250 for children under 3 years of age.

In addition to the increase in benefits, effective January 1 st, 2007 the contribution ceiling will also see an upward movement. The ceiling cap will move from $3,770.00 monthly to $4,333.00 or $870.00 weekly to $1,000.00.

 

The pensioners were also honoured by the Prime Minister with cheques and tokens from the National Insurances Services. The audience was captivated with a light moment with presentations from pensioners - Ms. V. Williams who did a monologue and a musical rendition by Mr. S. Alexander. The entertainment package also included a song by the NIS staff members – Mr. N. Quammie and Mr. K. Beache.

 

 

 

 

"NIS MADE SIMPLE FOR SCHOOLS" LAUNCHED

On Friday August 26, 2005, the management and staff of the National Insurance Services along with guests, gathered at the Peace Memorial Hall on the grand occasion of a Book Launching Ceremony for the book ‘NIS MADE SIMPLE FOR SCHOOLS’, written by NIS’ Deputy Executive Director, Miss Mineva C. Glasgow.

In a continuous effort to enlighten everyone including the children, about the services of the National Insurance, Ms. Glasgow was challenged to produce a book that would meet the understanding level of the nation’s children. She is no stranger to writing, having written several plays, skits and monologues and two previous books entitled “All that Glitters is not gold” and “Walk Through” – A Layman’s Guide to the National Insurance.

The ceremony started with opening remarks from the programme’s Chairman, Mr. Richard Williams. This was followed by an opening prayer by Pastor Aldon Ambrose.

The ceremony witnessed a book review by Professor Dr. Frank Alleyne of the U.W.I and comments by NIS Chairman, Lennox Bowman who emphasized the importance for such outreach programmes and continuous research by the National Insurance Services. Further Comments and commendations on Ms. Glasgow’s laudable effort came from The Executive Director and later, from the honorable Prime Minister who delivered the feature address.

Dr. Lennox Adams, in introducing Ms. Glasgow as the author of this new book, spoke of her experience in teaching, highlighting her commitment to education, community and youth development. This serves as an asset in the production of such reading material for students.

 

Last but not least, was the vote of thanks by the author, Ms. Glasgow who first and foremost thanked God, declared thanks to the National Insurance Board which sponsored the publication and specific members of staff who provided assistance. She further thanked all those who supported in one way or the other.

 

 

 

 

 

NIS CELEBRATES WITH NAAP CENTENARIAN

On August 21, 2005, a team from the NIS comprising Ms. Mineva Glasgow, Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Dawn Small, HR Manager, Ms. Idalia Job and Ms. Dezmin Pitt, Marketing Officers joined with relatives and friends of NIS NAAP recipient Mrs. Dorcas Labbay to celebrate her 100 th birthday.

The Questelles resident who was born in 1905 attributes her longevity to the mercies of God. She told the gathering “God is my keeper, without Him we can’t survive.” She further stated, “But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Two of Mrs. Labbay’s four living children Mrs. Veronica Moseley and Miss Nerissa Labbay celebrated the event with their mother.

NIS congratulates Mrs. Labbay on this milestone.

 

THE NATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES OPENS 2nd GOLDEN YEARS ACTIVITY CENTRE

The National Insurance Services opened its 2 nd Golden Year’s Activity Centre at Black Point on Sunday, January 9 th at 3:00 pm. These Centres are intended to provide senior citizens with a place where they can have meaningful interaction on a daily basis. The first center was opened at Cane Grove on the Leeward side of the island on November 2, 2004.

The Black Point center was designed by Moulton Mayers Architects and constructed by Enos Johnson and Alfred Lewis

The ceremony at Black Point was chaired by The Deputy Director of the NIS, Miss Mineva Glasgow. Remarks were made by The Executive Director Mr. Reginald Thomas, Mr. Lennox Bowman, chairman of the Board of Directors and Hon. Selmon Walters, Minister of Social Development. The feature address was delivered by Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Area Representative and Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for Social Security.

In his remarks, Dr. Gonsalves said he saw the case of the elderly as the Government’s moral obligation, since the elderly made valuable contributions to society when they were young. He also stressed that geriatric care is a vital component of the delivery of health care in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

 

 

 

 

Chairman Bowman stated that the center would have a positive effect on aged persons in the community, in that persons will be able to meet at the center on a daily basis for socialization, recreation and to receive nutritious meals.

Executive Director, Mr. Reginald Thomas, noted that the opening of the center at Black Point coincided with the NIS’s 18 th anniversary. He also said that the center aims to enhance the dignity and quality of life for senior citizens and to provide them for retirement with a sense of purpose.

 

NIS ANNUAL DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

 

On Saturday 18 th December 2004, the National Insurance Services held its annual dinner and awards ceremony at the Golden Years Activity Center, Cane Grove. The Executive Director, Mr. Reginald Thomas and the Chairman of the board of directors Mr. Lennox Bowman addressed the audience. Ken Isles provided entertainment.

 

GRAND OPENING OF GOLDEN YEARS ACTIVITY CENTER (November 2nd 2004)

 

 

The National Insurance Services has opened the first of two Golden Years Activity Centres for senior citizens. The Activity Centre at Cane Grove was officially opened at a ceremony held on November 2 nd , 2004. In attendance were Government officials and dignitaries.

 

The feature address was delivered by Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister with the responsibility for Social Security. Other addresses were delivered by Area Representative Hon. Louis Straker; Minister of Social Development, Hon. Selmon Walters; Mr. Lennox Bowman, Chairman of the National Insurance Board and Mr. Jeff James, representative from HelpAge International.

 

 

 

The programme also included entertainment from various groups including the NIS Cultural Group and The Royal St. Vincent and The Grenadines Police Band.

 

In keeping with its social responsibility as mandated in its mission and given its commitment to poverty alleviation, the NIS has donated this facility for the aged where they can meet on a daily basis for socialization.

 

 

 

 

The goals for these centres as identified from the findings of a survey conducted by HelpAge International in 2001 are:

1. To improve the quality of life of the aged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
2. To provide nutritional meals for the aged
3. To effectively utilize the skills of the retirees.

The facilities and services to be provided by the Centres include:

• Social Activity Centre
• Exercise Room
• Conference Room
• Library
• Kitchen
• Buffet Area
• Canteen
• Pantry
• Patio
• Locker Room
• Storage Room
• Overnight Facilities
• Computer Services
• Health Care
• Transportation

The activities would include:

• Workshops
• Motivational Talks
• Prayer Sessions
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Music
• Games
• Arts & Craft

The target group is largely persons who are retired and are aged 60 years and over. This group is sub-divided into two (2) categories:

• The first and primary clientele are the aged who are active and healthy.
• The second clientele group is the aged who are inactive, but who need a facility for socialization on a daily basis.

The Golden Years Activity Centre will be managed by a Trust and will be staffed by nine persons. Two caregivers who have already been trained in the Government’s Home Help Programme, a Nursing Assistant trained by the School of Nursing, one manager with tertiary education, one cook, one cleaner, one grounds man and two volunteers.

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