Samuels
THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN THE 'Letter of the Day' published on August 5, 2005, writer Deon Green, made certain allegations regarding the National Housing Trust's (NHT) handling of the contributions refund process. I would like to respond to the allegations.
Each year, the NHT refunds contributions to thousands of eligible contributors.
For example, for the 12-month period August 2004 to July 2005, the NHT refunded more than $1.1 billion to 87,025 contributors.
In addition to making the refunds, the NHT has a communications programme to advise contributors of the availability of their refunds.
COMMUNICATIONS
Among the channels used by the Trust are mass media electronic programmes (radio and TV), speaking engagements, exposés and specialised publications.
The Trust also operates a 24-hour telephone information line at its corporate offices, which can be used to access recorded information on contributions refund, among other things.
Communications about the refunds process also takes place via the NHT website. More recently, we have also developed and implemented an education programme targeting Jamaicans living overseas, who can now apply for their refunds from abroad, using e-mail.
It must be noted, however, that despite the public advisories on the availability of contribution refunds, there are some NHT contributors and past contributors who opt not to collect their refunds when they become due.
However, whenever applications for the outstanding refunds are received, we will process them once they meet the eligibility requirements.
ELIGIBILITY
It is important that I comment on the eligibility requirements, as sometimes it is a basic misunderstanding of these which leads to observations such as those made in Mr. Green's letter.
A contribution refund for a particular year becomes due for payment in the eighth year after the contribution was made.
For example, contributions made in 1997 are due for refunding this year. Outstanding refunds for the years 1976-1996 which contributors may not have claimed, may be applied for at any time.
Additionally, for the NHT to successfully process a refund application, the following should obtain:
The applicant must be applying in his/her own right or be able to prove that he/she has been duly authorised to apply on behalf of a contributor.
The applicant must be able to prove that contributions have been deducted from his salary.
The contributions should have been paid over to the Trust by the relevant employer.
The employer should have also filled with the Trust, a complete and accurate annual return, documenting the payments made for his employees.
Although we normally pay out refunds on the basis of employers' accounts with the Trust being reconciled, there are times when we have relaxed this requirement in the interest of our contributors.
In such cases, refunds are made once the applicant can provide us with proof (i.e., written verification from the employer), that the relevant contributions were made on his behalf.
This policy has been applied in the past, in dealing with claims from companies such as the one mentioned by Mr. Green.
NHT MORTGAGORS
Persons who are currently NHT mortgagors and who are due contribution refunds, will not receive a cheque. Instead, the amounts due will be credited to the contributors' mortgage accounts, thereby reducing the mortgage balances.
I would like to use this medium to invite Mr. Green to communicate with our offices by email or otherwise, should he need additional clarification on the NHT's contributions refund process. We may be contacted by email at info@nht.gov.jm or wecare@nht.gov.jm.
We at the NHT remain committed to providing excellent service to our contributors.
We also welcome opportunities to clarify matters pertaining to our operations.
I am, etc.,
C. EARL SAMUELS
Managing Director
