Dear Editor,
I recently visited the Brickdam office of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to conduct personal business. What I encountered left me deeply disturbed and, frankly, ashamed that a national institution of such importance is allowed to operate under such unacceptable conditions.
The NIS, which provides social security services to thousands of contributors and pensioners across Guyana, is clearly in urgent need of significant infrastructural development, both internally and externally. From my observation and discussions with staff, it appears that the organisation, particularly its two locations in Georgetown; has outgrown its current capacity and is struggling to function within outdated and inadequate facilities.
Upon entering the building, the situation was immediately evident. In the Benefits Section, cubicles used by staff are constructed from basic 1×2 wooden frames. Instead of proper partitions such as Perspex or other suitable materials, the structures are patched together with plastic and Scotch tape to conceal damaged areas. In addition, several of the air-conditioning units appear to be non-functional, leaving both employees and members of the public to endure uncomfortable conditions.
More troubling is the presence of exposed electrical wiring in sections of the building, posing a clear safety hazard to staff and visitors alike. The waiting areas are unwelcoming and unsuitable for members of the public, many of whom are elderly persons seeking pension-related services. The situation in the Compliance Section is equally concerning. From the reception area to the workspace occupied by Inspectors, the environment is cramped and inadequate. Inspectors reportedly spend approximately 60 percent of their time in the field and the remaining 40 percent preparing reports and performing administrative duties. Yet the workspace provided is far from conducive to productive work.
Additionally, sections of the flooring contain missing tiles, creating a potential risk of accidents for staff as well as for injured claimants who must visit the office. I must also highlight that works are currently ongoing on the western side of the Camp and Bent Street location, and staff have been forced to endure daily discomfort while continuing to perform their duties. Employees are required to operate in an environment where construction-related disturbances, dust, noise, and general disruption create conditions that could potentially be injurious to their health and safety. It is concerning that staff are expected to function under such circumstances without what appears to be adequate temporary arrangements to safeguard their well-being. These observations are particularly troubling when placed against the backdrop of a $1.558 trillion national budget for 2026. Based on available information, it appears that there is no direct allocation to the National Insurance Scheme from this sum.
While the Government injected $10 billion into the NIS in Budget 2025, this measure was primarily intended to assist persons aged 60 and above who had between 500 and 749 contributions but did not meet the 750 contributions required to qualify for a full pension. While this intervention was helpful, it does not address the wider structural and operational challenges facing the Scheme.
Equally concerning is the continued silence on pension increases. NIS pensioners are still surviving on the increases granted in 2019 under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, despite the reality that Guyana is now experiencing a significantly higher cost of living. This situation becomes even more troubling when contrasted with the billions of dollars allocated to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) between 2020 and 2026 to offset operational losses and sustain employment. While support for workers in the sugar industry may be justified, it inevitably raises questions about national priorities when pensioners, many of whom contributed faithfully to the Scheme for decades; continue to struggle to survive on fixed incomes.
It must also be remembered that the NIS has faced serious financial challenges dating back to the early 2000s. Funds belonging to contributors were withdrawn to finance the construction of the Berbice Bridge, which was structured as a private investment arrangement. Additionally, NIS resources were utilized to assist in resolving the CLICO financial crisis. More than a decade later, the Scheme has yet to be fully reimbursed for these withdrawals, leaving contributors to bear the long-term consequences of decisions over which they had no control.
Another issue that warrants public attention is the role of the Board of Directors. The President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, currently serves as a member of the NIS Board. As a trade union leader who has long advocated for improved working conditions for employees, one must ask whether he would be comfortable seeing workers at GuySuCo being required to operate under the same conditions presently faced by NIS staff.
As a representative of workers, what representations has he made during his tenure on the Board regarding the working environment for NIS employees? Has he taken the time to walk through the facilities and make a first-hand assessment of the conditions under which staff are required to work? The National Insurance Scheme is not merely another government agency; it is a cornerstone of Guyana’s social protection system. After more than fifty-five years of existence, the institution should reflect modern standards of efficiency, safety, and dignity.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully call on the Hon. Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, to urgently commission a comprehensive assessment of the physical conditions at the NIS Brickdam office and other facilities, ensure the immediate rehabilitation and upgrading of these buildings, allocate the necessary resources to modernise the institution’s infrastructure, and address the long-term financial sustainability of the Scheme, including a review of pension levels so that pensioners can cope with the rising cost of living.
The staff of the NIS and the thousands of citizens who depend on its services deserve far better than what presently obtains. A national institution entrusted with safeguarding workers’ contributions and providing income security in retirement must reflect efficiency, dignity, and accountability, not neglect.