The alleged collaboration between the National Insurance Scheme and the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department in Berbice to have drivers pay up their NIS is not sitting well with hire car drivers.
The drivers say no consultation was done with them before the move was implemented. Commander of B Division, Eon Amsterdam said he was unaware of the move involving the police. A senior NIS official by way of telephone said it is not unusual for the NIS to cooperate with other government agencies to fulfill its mandate.
Some drivers who refuse to comply, today picketed this morning at Tain to highlight their grievances. The drivers say the police stopped them and told them to report to the NIS office,8 where they were given a letter indicating that they must pay $8000 per month to the National Insurance Scheme as a self-employed person.
The NIS Official also said there is a general campaign which targets persons in insurable employment, as he dismissed claims that hire car drivers are specifically being targeted. The Officials explained that NIS will also be working with fishermen and shopkeepers.
Once a person registers as self-employed, they are expected to inform the inspector what their monthly intake is and an agreement is reached as to the amount of money that person will pay into the scheme.