She noted that employers are generally tasked with updating the NIS on its employee’s data. It is only, however when a contributor makes a query that the required information reaches the agency.
“The only time sometimes that we are able to capture them apart from getting back to the employer to say hey there’s a query we want this person to come in, is actually until they make a claim,” she clarified.
The PRO added that a mere address mistake can slow down the process and urged persons who have moved to go into their office to have the changes made to their records.
Another bump in the process may be if an employee gets married or has a name change and did not notify the NIS.
“Contributions have been paid in the past under an employee’s maiden name, although the name would have been changed. In the same way, contributions have been made under employees’ martial name, without the Scheme being informed.”
According to the PRO, the NIS has been pushing for the employers’ data to be synced to the NIS records so as to avoid such discrepancies.
Persons have complained in the past and have vented their frustration on social media over the lengthy process that is usually associated with making a financial claim at the NIS.
Meanwhile, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) was well-represented as they sought the opportunity to magnify Guyana’s natural trademark with the banner “Continue to shine with a green economy in mind”.
Their float featured the globe with doves to symbolize world peace and the aspects of the Caribbean Community to demonstrate Guyana’s relationship with other nations on the international stage.
One of the revellers, Caprice explained, “Mash is about celebration after hard work and this is so fun. I’m having the best time in my entire life.”
The Chinese Association of Guyana introduced aspects of their culture, dressed as dragons and playing a selection of cultural music.
Spectators lined the roadway as they awaited the entrance of each band, one after the next that journeyed along the route. Some children even grew impatient as they waited during the intervals.
This year, there was also a sprinkle of tourists who were absorbing the vibes of this unified festival.
“It was really, really good. I liked the costumes. I’m out here every year and I don’t ever miss Mash,” said Lisa.
Meanwhile, Beveny stood at the beginning of Vlissengen Road and shaded her body with a large umbrella, which allowed her to enjoy the march. For her, this celebration means “culture and unity”.
“Wonderful! It’s a bit slow but it will improve later on. People are coming out. My favourite so far has to be the Social Cohesion Ministry one. Mash means everything, the culture and unity, everything,” she said
The bands proceeded along Vlissengen road where the number of persons intensified and then headed for D’Uurban Park for the first session of the annual event. By then, the revellers were drenched as they prepared to be greeted once more by another mob of onlookers.
The 2019 celebrations were welcomed under the theme “Celebrating 49 with victory in mind; rediscovering El Dorado”. Guyana became a Republic on February 23, 1970, from which the Amerindian word ‘Mashramani’ was birthed, meaning “celebration after a hard and cooperative work”.
