The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) takes this opportunity to recognize the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. Indeed, it is a significant milestone for the Scheme and one worthy of celebration. For the working-people, past and present, the NIS represents an important pillar of support during their time of need and retirement. It has assisted in provided sustenance during difficult times and provides some degree of comfort to our workers during their golden years.
It also did not escape our attention that the NIS’ Golden Anniversary comes when the Trade Union Movement commemorates the centennial anniversary of the nation’s first trade union organisation. It is a remarkable feat as our nation has the distinction of establishing the first workers organization in the then British Colonial Empire. We draw this reference to point out that the call for the establishment of a Scheme similar to the NIS emanated from the Trade Union Movement. History has recorded that at the first conference of Regional Trade Union Leaders held in January, 1926, at the Public Building, leaders of the movement called on their respective Governments to establish social security schemes. Indeed, it is to the credit of the movement and the forward-thinking outlook of leaders that today we commemorate the Scheme’s Golden Jubilee.
Today as the Scheme celebrates, it does so not without also facing challenges and difficulties. The most recent actuarial report does not paint a blissful picture. Indeed, it is most depressing and for us a cause of great worry and anxiety. The actuaries have recommended several painful measures which need to be considered against the contemporary context of Guyana. Our Federation had expressed our views on the suggestions proffered pointing out that they are not in the interest of the Guyanese working-people who stand to be deleteriously affected.
The NIS remains practically the only contributory pension scheme for a large number of Guyanese. Therefore, the long-term survival and sustenance of the Scheme is not a question. There must be an unequivocal statement for its continuance, and all measures to ensure such possibilities should not be disregarded, indeed, must be pursued.
