Move in NIS pension age angers protesters

By Jenique Belgrave

The proposed changes to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pension plan has many citizens up in arms, several of whom took the opportunity to voice their disapproval during this morning’s ‘Leave We Lifeline Alone’ march from Kensington Oval to Independence Square.

Speaking to a Barbados TODAY team, those gathered for the 10 a.m. start expressed serious concern over Government’s announcement that the pensionable age will move to to 67 1/2 years in 2028 and then to 68 years in 2034 and that the number of contributions needed for pension eligibility will move from 500 weeks to 750 weeks.

Uralla Beckles said more information must be placed in the public’s eye as to what happens with the funds placed into the NIS by hardworking Barbadians.

“When the boss comes and asks a question, she expects an answer, so why can we not get any information regarding what is going on at the NIS. All we want is fairness and justice to the hardworking people of Barbados,” she stated.

Saying the protest action was necessary for the generations to come, Philip Hunte questioned Government’s decision to write off the billion-dollar debt owed to the scheme by companies and individuals.

“That money has to be paid back. It means that the same taxpayers and the same NIS workers will have to recoup this money and Government was blase about writing it off and letting people walk off and forget it.

He added: “We need to stand up and protest and demonstrate against it…. because people down the road will be working and they will not be guaranteed a pension and by law you are obligated to pay national insurance to keep the fund healthy. I hope that Bajans will wake up and see the ramifications and implications of this draconian move,” he said.

Saying the matter is not a political one but one that affects all Barbadians, Reverend Dr. Ferdinand Nicholls stated “this march is our way of saying to the administration that we have concerns about the decision you have made and you need to talk with us and not to us.”

The march was organised by the Unity Workers Union, The Steering Committee, and the Marcia Weekes Show ended at Independence Square.

jeniquebelgrave@barbadostoday.bb