Some retirees yet to receive pay this Christmas

Scores of retired Barbadians will spend the Christmas holidays without receiving their pension cheques, despite a massive effort from the Barbados Postal Service to deliver them in time.

However, in a statement on Christmas Eve, the government entity implied that the National Insurance (NIS) department was responsible for making the funds available for posting much too late.

Efforts to reach NIS Chairman, Leslie Haynes on Friday evening were unsuccessful.

In an official statement of appreciation to the public, the service broke the unfortunate news.

“Customers are advised that due to the ongoing late delivery of NIS pension cheques to the General Post Office, delivery before Christmas is not possible for some pensioners. This inconvenience is greatly regretted,” said the statement from the Postmaster General.

“Customers are reminded that the internationally established delivery standard for the local delivery of mail is two days after posting,” the correspondence added.

Retirees took to national radio throughout the week expressing their frustration about the late payments. Since then, Barbados TODAY understands that those whose pensions are delivered electronically were able to receive theirs.

Postal workers were caught in a mad scramble near the end of the week to deliver pension cheques around the clock.

“The Postmaster General, Management and Staff of the Barbados Postal Service wish to thank everyone who used our services this past year for their patronage and takes this opportunity to wish you all of the joy, love and warmth of family as you celebrate this season and to extend best wishes for every success in 2022,” the statement said. (KS)