Nearly a year after application and still can’t get NIS pension

Dear Editor,

My name is Rampaul Chetaru NIS # B-6078547. I attained the age of sixty on the 24th February, 2018 and filed for my pension on 3 January, 2018. I appeal to your newspaper to highlight the difficulties I have been enduring for the past ten months with the National Insurance Scheme.

On several occasions I made enquiries at the Georgetown Local Office Pensions Section and at Melanie Local Office as it relates to the status of my pension only to be informed that it’s in process except for some issues with my contributions on the system which is affecting payment of my claim.

On my recent visit to the National Insurance Scheme I was referred to the Public Relations Unit where I spoke to an officer and even submitted a letter to her which was for the General Manager appealing to her to intervene to bring closure to my claim. The officer give me all assurance that she will look into my matter to ensure closure however when I recently enquired on the status of my claim I was informed that my matter is still pending.

Editor, I have satisfied the contributions amount to be entitled to a pension however I was informed that there is an issue with my self-employed contributions which is affecting my payment. After I left my job I registered with the National Insurance Scheme as a self-employed contributor on the 1st October, 2006 and made payments from October 2006 to December 2010 and even with the difficulties that I face I was always punctual with my payments so why am I put to suffer by the National Insurance Scheme.

I recently read of Ms. Sahadai’s matter vs. the National Insurance Scheme in the media and thankfully the court made the right judgment in her matter and also for Mr. Christopher Ram’ endurance that ensured justice was served to his client.

I appeal to the relevant authority to address my concern and bring closure to my matter since I am currently unemployed and have no other means of financial support.

Yours faithfully,

Rampaul Chetaru