Petition for better pension reform of NIS

More than 1 500 Barbadians have already put pen to paper, signing a petition aimed at pushing Government to find a different way to recapitalise the National Insurance Fund. Veteran attorney and politician, Lynette Eastmond, started the petition over the weekend, saying it was necessary for all citizens to be involved in how their pensions are determined. The petition comes after Government on July 28 tabled the Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions Bill) and the National Insurance and Social Security (Amendment) Bill, which caused a stir in the country. View the petition here: https://chng.it/KMtnLSRC2d  Under the proposed changes in legislation, the retirement age would move from 67 to 68 years old, and there would also be adjustments to the length of contributions into the National Insurance Scheme for people to qualify for pensions. People who are 60 years old now and nearing retirement have been shielded from the changes. “Government has written off billions. It has refused to pursue those who owe the fund money. Please do not allow those who work so hard to pay for the excesses of the rich and the privileged. The main issue is the recapitalising of the fund. Let us find another way,” Eastmond stressed. (PR)