Minister of Labour Shane Gibson announced that this year Bahamians can expect more modern updates at the National Insurance Board (NIB).
On Wednesday, as he discussed the improvements in the public service during his address in the House of Assembly, Mr. Gibson encouraged Bahamians to take advantage of previous updates such as self-service and new NIB cards.
The minister also announced that by the second quarter of 2015, NIB will be making some ‘major changes’.
“In very short order, NIB will begin to make announcements in regards to what Bahamians can expect during our upcoming transition period this year,” he said.
“We’re working towards a more modern NIB this year. NIB’s information and technology efforts are scheduled to intensify this year and NIB will be launching a new insurance management system which will be rolled out during the second quarter of this year. So, we are about to switch over to an improved delivery system and we are working are to ensure the transition period runs smoothly.”
The minister of labour also commended NIB employees for the increase of contributions in 2014.
He urged them to continue with the collection of contributions and also urged businesses to comply with the policies at NIB.
“Some $244.3 million was collected in 2014 compared to some $229.5 million that was collected in 2013. I wish to congratulate NIB on this improvement and I wish to challenge them to continue to make more employers and self-employed persons compliant with NIB. I also really want to encourage these employers to please do what you have to do. You know what it is.”
Minister Gibson said one of the improvements this year will include the automation of NIB’s systems to ensure that the company is up to 21st century standard.
He believes this will help in removing personalities out of the public service because most of the services are manual and most government workers work according to their feelings.
The minister also stressed the importance of businesses paying NIB.
He said businesses should not be operating if they are not compliant with NIB policies and laws.
