Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo speaking at the National Insurance Scheme’s (NIS) gala and awards ceremony at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre recently. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, has reiterated her confidence in the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and its comprehensive package of benefits.

She heaped accolades on the National Insurance Department (NID) recently, during its gala and awards ceremony held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Senator Byer Suckoo said she is reminded daily of the positive impact of social security on Barbadians, with many of them giving testimonies on how the various NIS benefits have had a positive impact during their time of need.

“It really makes me proud of the NIS to know that these benefits help persons in their time of need. The NIS truly is a lifeline that Barbadians rely on.  Equally strong evidence of this is the…other set of conversations I have, the angry desperate cries when benefits are delayed. That is why…as we celebrate, we must also recommit ourselves to the service of this nation and those in their periods of vulnerability,” Senator Byer Suckoo stressed.

Speaking specifically to timely payment of benefits, the Minister of Labour reminded the employees that servicing the needs of the vulnerable should be considered part of decent work in Barbados and a way of life that we must all protect.

Senator Byer Suckoo also lauded past and present NID staff for the role they played in the success of the NIS. “I pay tribute to the visionaries at the beginning, the stalwarts over the years and the ones who will maintain this institution for the next 50 years. Our people have been our greatest asset and it is appropriate that they be rewarded for their efforts,” she said.

The Minister urged the staff to reflect on their individual roles in the organisation and to see how they could use their experience, attitude and empathy to ensure that they provide the best service to the public.

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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