The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) yesterday made major adjustments to its work schedule so pensioners no longer have to spend long hours at its Brickdam head office.
The NIS yesterday opened its Brickdam office from 6 am to begin paying pensions and processing vouchers.
Despite the earlier opening, the NIS was scheduled to close “when the last pensioner leaves the compound,” according to the Chairman of the NIS Board John Seeram.
Additional staff members were assigned to work with the regular staff to accommodate as many persons as possible during the day. This was done, according to Seeram, so as to speed up the payment of pensions. “We can have a lot of pensioners coming here, but if we don’t have enough staff to deal with the situation, we are right back to square one,” Seeram explained.
Additionally, pensioners with disabilities or illness will be given priority by the staff so they can leave the premises as early as possible. Snacks along with coffee were also served to the pensioners who were waiting in line. These arrangements will be available for the rest of the week.
One pensioner, John July, expressed surprise regarding the new arrangement. “Long time when I used to come here, I used to wait very long, even though I was here waiting by six o’clock, so now it’s surprising when I come here I get through so quick,” he commented.
Another, Cheryl Cummings, told Stabroek News that she heard about the new arrangement last month and it wasn’t long before she got her business done. “They’re improving, much respect to that,” she said.
However, Eric Sarius, who was unaware of the new arrangements, said that they made things much worse even though he got through quickly. “People are fighting to go to the front of the line so it’s very confusing and noisy,” he said.
In addition, Stabroek News observed persons leaving minutes after entering the premises and when questioned they explained that there were too many people on the premises and they would return another day. Staff of the NIS were also seen assisting persons with disabilities around the premises.
Seeram, who said that the NIS is working on improving customer relations, noted that the change was a big step for the NIS, while noting that it is very important to take care of customers, especially those with disabilities, illness or who have to go to work. “The fact that pensioners spend long hours on the premises is unacceptable,” he added.
According to Seeram, two toilets were recently constructed in the compound so pensioners who are visiting the offices can have immediate access to such facilities, if needed.
