In the absence of any formal announcement of an extension to the previously announced deadline of January 31, 2016, the National Health Insurance (NHI) office today February 1, 2016 continued registering and photographing persons for their health coverage cards. Photo: VINO

This news site spent about 45 minutes outside the Joshua J. Smith Building, where the NHI and Social Security Officers are located, and observed the security guard passing out numbers, calling people inside to be photographed and directing persons which line to stand in. Photo: VINO

Efforts to reach Deputy Director of the Social Security Board with responsibility for the NHI, Roy N. Barry and Manager of Beneficiary and Advisory Services in the NHI Division Kishma A. Baronville for a comment on whether the process has been official extended proved futile.

While the process of registration and photographing of persons was clearly ongoing, there was nothing posted on the door to inform of an extended deadline.

This news site spent about 45 minutes outside the Joshua J. Smith Building, where the NHI and Social Security Officers are located, and observed the security guard passing out numbers, calling people inside to be photographed and directing persons which line to stand in.

Unlike last week Thursday January 28, 2016 when fights broke out and the Police had to be called in to control the crowd, today’s activities at the Joshua J. Smith Building were calm and controlled, with persons making inquiries and being directed as needed.

Also there was a steady flow of persons going into be processed and photographed and exiting the building on completion.

However, things slowed down a little during lunchtime and the security guard explained that less persons were on duty as some had proceeded on lunch.

The NHI in a press release, referencing the NHI Regulations, said, “Failure to register by 31st January 2016, or one month after taking up residence in the Territory, will result in a delay in coverage until contributions are fully paid up, plus a three month waiting period from the date of the application. An employer or resident who fails to register or provide appropriate notification of a change in work, family or immigration status commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, plus a further one hundred dollars for every day during which the offence has continued.”