THE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ the article by my friend Linnette Vassell titled, 'Unsung Women' in the April 4, 2004 edition and as I was quite impressed, we had a tête-à-tête and she eventually convinced me that I should make my comments.
Hence this letter just to say that I agree with the sentiments expressed and wish to underscore the very important aspect of the article where she is advocating for more education for household workers in order for them to understand that they have the opportunity to register to participate in the NIS, and NHT Schemes of Government.
Maybe the small number registered so far is because the employers of these women have failed to act on their behalf.
I know personally of one employer who took the initiative to register her (domestic servant) from the inception of the scheme, paid every dollar for her and now she is the recipient of the same allowance as I, a professional woman.
The time is now as we are all talking of MOU in high places that employers and household workers should find a way of establishing such a vehicle to help women financially in the future.
I would like to extend this recommendation of assisting taxi drivers, vendors and labourers who are self-employed to encourage them to invest in this way so at retirement they have some sort of backative and not only for retirement but at death there is an allowance for those who are eligible.
I did make the proposal at the recent launching of the Spalding/Christian Taxi Association recently and so it is hoped that some follow-up will be done.
I am, etc.,
D.A. BENT
Spaldings, Clarendon
