BRIDGETOWN – IN a historic moment marked with joy, camaraderie and promises of support, the National Insurance Scheme underwent a significant transformation on December 1, 2023, officially becoming the National Insurance and Social Security Service.
The change signifies the institution’s evolution into a fully-fledged commercial state-owned enterprise, heralding in a new chapter for both its staff and the public.
Just after 3 p.m. the staff gathered for a momentous meeting, the first under the organisation’s new statutory corporation designation. The proceedings commenced with a statement from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kim Tudor, who, despite being on sick leave, expressed her gratitude to staff, through a heartfelt letter, read by Deputy CEO, Frances Fontinelle-Walcott.
Ms. Tudor, in her letter emphasized the spirit of collaboration, resilience and innovation that has brought the organization to this transformative juncture.
Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, Hon. Colin Jordan, Chairman of the Board, Leslie Haynes and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Dr Karen Best, all addressed the staff.
Minister Jordan, confessed to having a long-standing association with the institution, spanning his days standing in line to collect unemployment cheques, being on the Board and now being the Minister responsible for the institution. He thanked the 92.5 per cent of the former NIS staff that had come over to the new organisation and encouraged them to strive for operational improvement, enhanced service delivery and a better organizational reputation.
Chairman Leslie Haynes, expressed pride in the institution’s journey, envisioning the organisation as one of the top institutions not only in Barbados, but also in the wider region and the world.
Dr Karen Best in her final visit to staff in her present capacity, before her retirement on December 10, 2023, characterized the transformation as a “new dawn” and expressed gratitude to the staff for remaining as part of the family.
The meeting concluded with a reception and the recognition of long-service staff members with service awards of 10, 20, 30 and 35 years. Toni Bishop, a dedicated employee with 35 years of service had the honour of cutting the celebratory cake with Minister Jordan during the reception.
The festivities continued with a collective non-alcoholic toast to the bright future of the newly established National Insurance and Social Security Service. The Minister, board and staff toasted to continuing the institution’s legacy of service excellence, commitment to professionalism and contributions to the economic landscape of Barbados and beyond.
Announcing the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS). From left, Chairman of the NISSS Board, Leslie Haynes, K.C.; Board member, Dr. Karen Best, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector; Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Hon. Colin E. Jordan, M.P.; Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Chief Operations Officer), Frances Fontinelle-Walcott.Chairman of the NISSS Board, Leslie Haynes, K.C. (left) addressing members of staff and the board. To his right is Dr. Karen Best, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector. Front row, from left Board Secretary, Betty-Ann Callender; board member, Colin ‘Tony’ Walcott and board member, Claudette Hope-Greenidge, Chief Labour Officer.Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Hon. Colin E. Jordan, M.P. addressing the audience. At left is Chairman of the NISSS Board, Leslie Haynes, K.C.; Board member, Dr. Karen Best, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Chief Operations Officer), Frances Fontinelle-Walcott. Entertainment being provided by Willie Kerr (left) and Terry ‘Mexican’ Arthur. Programmer Debbie Greenidge admiring the trophies to be given to the Long Service awardees. Senior People Development Officer, Lisa Forde served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s awards presentation.
10 Years of Service
Cynthia Lynch of Accounts (left) receiving her award for 10 years of service from Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Chief Operations Officer), Frances Fontinelle-Walcott.Meldene Sargeant of the Legal Unit (left) receiving her award for 10 years of service from Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Chief Operations Officer), Frances Fontinelle-Walcott.
15 Years of Service
Tracia Griffith of Registration (left) receiving her award for 15 years of service from board member, Colin ‘Tony’ Walcott. Regan Miller of Data Services (left) receiving her award for 15 years of service from board member, Colin ‘Tony’ Walcott. Kaye Watts of Internal Audit (left) receiving her award for 15 years of service from board member, Colin ‘Tony’ Walcott.
20 Years of Service
Anderson Shorey of Compliance (left) receiving his award for 20 years of service from Chairman of the NISSS Board, Leslie Haynes, K.C.Lyneta Applewhite of Records Management (left) receiving her award for 20 years of service from Chairman of the NISSS Board, Leslie Haynes, K.C.
25 Years of Service
Dale Sealy of Benefits (left) receiving his award for 25 years of service from Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Chief Finance Officer), Janice Estwick. Senior Manager, Long-Term Benefits, Norma King-Brathwaite (left) receiving her award for 25 years of service from Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Chief Finance Officer), Janice Estwick.
35 Years of Service
Senior Internal Auditor, Toni Bishop (left) receiving her award for 35 years of service from Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Hon. Colin E. Jordan, M.P.A section of the crowd after the renaming of the National Insurance Scheme to the National Insurance and Social Security Service and Long Service awards ceremony.Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Hon. Colin E. Jordan, M.P. speaking to Shameka Gill (centre) and Nikkita Thorne of Customer Service. Senior Manager, People Development, David Archer (centre) and his team from Human Resources. From left, Avril Worrell, Carol-Ann Welch and Tamekia Skeete.
Board member, Claudette Hope-Greenidge, Chief Labour Officer (left) speaking to Kevin Harris (right) of Customer Service. Senior Manager, Short-term Benefits, Derek Lowe (centre) looks on.
The celebratory cake for the Long Service awards.
Senior Internal Auditor, Toni Bishop (left) getting ready to cut the celebratory cake with Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Hon. Colin E. Jordan, M.P.
Let’s toast to the National Insurance and Social Security Service. A section of members of staff toasting with Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Hon. Colin E. Jordan, M.P.
About Us The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS) is a Statutory Corporation which provides a range of social security services. We operate in
About Us The National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS) is a statutory corporation which provides a range of social security services. We operate in
The National Insurance and Social Security Service is inviting parents and guardians of children and adults who have been diagnosed with disabilities such as Multiple
