THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN A society in which incompetence, corruption and waste of taxes are so widespread, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), National Health Fund (NHF) and related programmes such as the NIS Gold and Jamaica Drugs for the Elderly Programme (JADEP) stand out like beacons of achievement. They might well become, in due course, jewels in the nation's crown.
They are far from perfect. I have been very critical of the NIS in the press. I have also, as a beneficiary, made some of my views known to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. In addition, when $5,000 cheques were scattered like confetti to beneficiaries after Hurricane Ivan, I did not encash mine, as I did not think the ministry had any legal or moral authority to use funds for such purposes or in the way it did. Good husbandry is needed - not skewed populism. There is also a general feeling that benefits under the NIS should be increased. However, the addition of the NIS Gold to its portfolio has burnished its image and added lustre to its performance.
RAPID DEVELOPMENT
The NHF is a comparatively new scheme, but it has developed rapidly. If the NIS and NHF continue to improve, they should go a far way towards meeting the challenge of providing meaningful pension, health and other social benefits for citizens. This is a challenge which even wealthy, developed countries are finding increasingly daunting. The foundation has been laid, the experience and expertise are here and I have no doubt that if the NIS and NHF are kept free of corrupt influence, they will become another rare Jamaican success story.
The father of the NIS was Lynden G. Newland - journalist, trade unionist, local government representative, Member of Parliament and at the time of the genesis of the NIS in 1966, the Minister of Labour in a labour party government. He faced great opposition. The NIS was dubbed 'SIN' by his antagonists and efforts were made in the court to stop it. Mr. Newland was a humble and affable man, a quintessential Jamaican who was not concerned about 'legacy'. He has, nevertheless, left us a powerful legacy. Lynden G. Newland I salute you! Succeeding ministers and administrations have parlayed his efforts into one of the wealthiest institutions in the country - poised for even more service and more growth.
The NHF was established in 2003 after a long period of gestation. Since then there has been significant growth. The energy and enthusiasm of the Minister of Health, John Junor, and his team and their commitment to the NHF is obvious and deserve to be acknowledged.
The NIS and NHF, with any inadequacies or shortcomings, demand our constant scrutiny and outspoken criticism - but they also deserve our encouragement, support and best wishes.
I am, etc.,
BERESFORD HAY
P.O. Box 1191
Kingston 8
