Ferguson Raises Alarm Over Conditions at NIS Offices, Calls for Urgent Upgrades

Former Minister within the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government and ex-parliamentarian Annette Ferguson has raised serious concerns about the state of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), describing conditions at its Brickdam office in Georgetown as “unacceptable” and in urgent need of intervention.

In a letter, Ferguson said a recent visit to the facility left her “deeply disturbed,” pointing to what she described as deteriorating infrastructure, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate accommodations for both staff and the public.

“The NIS, which provides social security services to thousands of contributors and pensioners across Guyana, is clearly in urgent need of significant infrastructural development, both internally and externally,” she stated.

According to Ferguson, the institution appears to have outgrown its current capacity, particularly at its Georgetown locations, and is struggling to function within outdated facilities.

She detailed a number of deficiencies, including makeshift cubicles in the Benefits Section constructed from wooden frames and patched with plastic and tape, as well as non-functioning air-conditioning units. Ferguson also pointed to exposed electrical wiring, which she said poses a safety hazard, and unsuitable waiting areas, especially for elderly pensioners.

The Compliance Section, she added, is similarly affected, with cramped conditions for inspectors who split their time between fieldwork and administrative duties.

Ferguson further highlighted structural issues within the building, including missing floor tiles that could pose risks to staff and injured claimants. She also noted that ongoing construction at the Camp and Bent Street location has forced employees to work amid dust, noise, and general disruption, without adequate temporary arrangements.

“These observations are particularly troubling when placed against the backdrop of a $1.558 trillion national budget for 2026,” Ferguson said, adding that “based on available information, it appears that there is no direct allocation to the National Insurance Scheme from this sum.”

While acknowledging a $10 billion injection into the NIS in Budget 2025, she noted that the measure primarily targeted persons who did not meet the full pension contribution threshold and did not address broader structural challenges.

Ferguson also raised concerns about the lack of recent pension increases, noting that beneficiaries are still relying on adjustments made in 2019 under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government despite rising living costs.

She contrasted this with what she described as substantial allocations to the beleaguered Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) between 2020 and 2026, arguing that the disparity raises questions about national priorities.

The former minister also revisited longstanding financial issues facing the NIS, noting that the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) invested over G$2.5 billion in the Berbice River Bridge project through a combination of bonds, shares, and debt instruments. She also referenced the use of NIS resources to assist in resolving the CLICO financial crisis, pointing out that the Scheme has not been fully reimbursed for these withdrawals.

Established in 1969, the NIS was created to provide social security coverage to Guyanese workers, offering benefits such as pensions, sickness, maternity, and employment injury support. Ferguson stressed that this foundational mandate underscores the importance of safeguarding contributors’ funds and ensuring the institution’s long-term sustainability.

Additionally, Ferguson questioned the role of the NIS Board of Directors, specifically referencing Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Seepaul Narine, and whether sufficient attention has been given to the working conditions of NIS staff.

In her letter, Ferguson urged Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, to take immediate action.

“I respectfully call on the Hon. Minister… to urgently commission a comprehensive assessment of the physical conditions at the NIS Brickdam office and other facilities, ensure the immediate rehabilitation and upgrading of these buildings, allocate the necessary resources to modernize the institution’s infrastructure, and address the long-term financial sustainability of the Scheme, including a review of pension levels so that pensioners can cope with the rising cost of living,” she said.

Ferguson stressed that the NIS, as a key pillar of Guyana’s social protection system, must reflect modern standards of efficiency, safety and dignity.

“The staff of the NIS and the thousands of citizens who depend on its services deserve far better than what presently obtains,” she added.