Setting the record straight with pensioner George Downer

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THIS IS in response to a letter which appeared on page A5 of The Gleaner on Friday, June 22, 2001 under the heading "At 73, can't collect pension, eager to die".

The facts are as follows:

The writer, Mr. George Downer, applied for a pension from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in 1998.

The records show that Mr. Downer does not have the minimum number of contributions to be eligible for a pension.

National Insurance is a contributory pension plan. A contributor must have a minimum average of 13 weekly contributions for each of his insurable years to qualify for a pension. The insurable years are from age 18 to 60 for women and 18 to 65 for men.

Based on his level of contribution, Mr. Downer was awarded a grant which he refused. This grant is still available to him.

Mr. Downer is currently receiving assistance through the Ministry's Income Support Programme.

We hope this clarifies any misunderstanding arising from the letter.

I am, etc.,

ALVIN McINTOSH

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Labour and

Social Security

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