The Rape of the NIS

Feb 06, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
First of all one must congratulate Mr. Nigel Hughes for being sufficiently discreet in describing the conspiracy between GuySuCo the employer, and the NIS the provider, as only an act of ‘discrimination’ when contrasted with the treatment meted out to former bauxite workers – in KN.
Others who comment on this shameless travesty of the law very likely may be deemed indiscreet in turn. But not really, when one examines the implications of a complexity which allows the largest, and possibly most historical employer in the nation, to set an example of amorality that would tempt some other employers, large and small, to emulate. Particular concern should be paid to how foreign investors would react to such explicit perfidy. Which institution, in turn, would have the moral authority to attempt to penalise the comparatively minor lapses say, of small businesses who complain of being regularly harassed.
GuySuCo’s behaviour in this regard also reflects a philosophy and practice in other management circumstances that can hardly be described as transparent.
It not only speaks of the importance of what is called a Board of Directors, but more disconcertingly to the unease Managers at lower levels of the organisation must feel in matters of trust that affect them.
It speaks critically even to those workers who receive ‘benefits’ in response to their claims as to whether their deducted contributions are part of the $1.5B debt.
Meanwhile, the public must ask: how does the NIS reconcile its registrants with GuySuCo’s variable workforce? How is the claimant verified as an active employee or indeed an eligible pensioner?
The NIS administration, obviously responding to directives of the Board, must wonder whether there would be any possibility, not only of retrieving the unpaid contributions, but at their having to compound the indebtedness by utilising resources they do not really have to ‘honour’ (an inappropriate word) claims!
The administration in its heart of hearts must also feel sensitive about the fact that in too many cases over the years it has denied benefits to individuals, who have been marginally short of qualifying contributors.
It is not enough for the politicians (for GuySuCo is but a politicised agency) to be satisfied that sugar workers in particular are getting their benefits; rather, they should be deeply concerned, and regretful that they have been found out.
Surely an organisation caught in this travesty must be concerned of its image – as to whether it is sustainable as an employer of choice.
It is even possible that some, including guest managers from overseas, may find such a malodorous environment too offensive in which to function.
For those of us who have had sugar in our blood since before the formation of GuySuCo, this recent disclosure is, however vicariously, an experience that profoundly demeans pride in the industry and hope for its future.
E.B. John

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The Rape of the NIS

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