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'We already pay for Social Security; no need to pay again for NHI' - Winston E. Nibbs

- said monies collected under Social Security enough to cover for persons’ healthcare
Radio talk show regular Winston E. Nibbs aka La Fontey spoke up last evening October 6, 2015 in condemnation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in its current form, saying that persons already make contributions under the Social Security Board and that they should not have to pay again. Photo: Provided
Nibbs believes greed is playing a part since government should have the necessary funds that they require from the Social Security Board to fund an NHI programme and as such they do not need to further make deductions from people’s earnings. Photo: VINO/File
Nibbs believes greed is playing a part since government should have the necessary funds that they require from the Social Security Board to fund an NHI programme and as such they do not need to further make deductions from people’s earnings. Photo: VINO/File
As opposition to the NHI continues to mount from all quarters, it is set to culminate on Friday October 9, 2015 when a group of concerned citizens and residents presents a petition to Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith with the hope that he takes the NHI back to the drawing board to address some or all of the concerns pointed out. Photo: VINO/File
As opposition to the NHI continues to mount from all quarters, it is set to culminate on Friday October 9, 2015 when a group of concerned citizens and residents presents a petition to Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith with the hope that he takes the NHI back to the drawing board to address some or all of the concerns pointed out. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Radio talk show regular Winston E. Nibbs aka La Fontey spoke up last evening October 6, 2015 in condemnation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in its current form, saying that persons already make contributions under the Social Security Board and that they should not have to pay again.

Speaking as one of the guests of Doug Wheatley's Speak Out BVI show heard on ZBVI 780 AM, Nibbs said the Social Security Board, as part of its mandate, would have established an NHI fund which is to be separate from other social security funds for the managing of the inflows and outflows of monies involved in conducting the business operations of the NHI.

"In addition, the Social Security Board will set aside a portion of the allocated amount of contributed funds in a reserve account to meet defined shortfalls and unplanned payment obligations if and when these occur," he said.

Greed playing a part

Furthermore, Mr Nibbs said he believes greed is playing a part since government should have the necessary funds that they require from the Social Security Board to fund an NHI programme and as such they do not need to further make deductions from people’s earnings.

"They have made the contributions already so let's subsidise it and go forward," Nibbs said.

"People of the Virgin Islands we are sleeping...we have done this already. We took care of it...we are just redefining the language now...we don't need to pay more money. That's my argument," said Nibbs.

"We paid already. It's called our Social Security contributions. Social Security had been designed to address our medical care in this country. We just have not been utilising it. And now that we decide to utilise it and call it NHI I am saying the contribution that you have already made, you take a small percentage of that and give it to the NHI division," he said.

As opposition to the NHI continues to mount from all quarters, it is set to culminate on Friday October 9, 2015 when a group of concerned citizens and residents presents a petition to Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith with the hope that he takes the NHI back to the drawing board to address some or all of the concerns pointed out.

23 Responses to “'We already pay for Social Security; no need to pay again for NHI' - Winston E. Nibbs ”

  • ---------------- (07/10/2015, 08:26) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
    jah he again?
    • lmao (07/10/2015, 09:09) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
      "They have made the contributions already so let's subsidise it and go forward," Nibbs said.

      Does he even understand what subsidize means? OMG!!!!!
  • Yep (07/10/2015, 08:56) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    I didnt even think about this. Its true
  • tretretrete (07/10/2015, 08:58) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
    this sounds like it makes sense. i just not feeling this NHI thing.
  • true saying (07/10/2015, 09:02) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    that's true ,why social security can give government loan,its the people social security money they giving away and taken back ,so that's where nhi can be taken from.
  • Schups (07/10/2015, 09:07) Like (23) Dislike (27) Reply
    Where was this guy all the time? Where was his voice when so many different things were happening in BVI? This reminds me of when NDP were about to construct the bypass road by Mill Mall and the now Noel Lloyd Park. Do you guys remember? A bunch of ignorance talking about destruction, waste of money etc. Go down there now and tell me what you think would be happening without that bypass road and park. A set of sick people in this place. What has Nibbs done for his country lately besides complain all the time? Do these guys even understand insurance and why NHI is being rolled out? Nothing is wrong with disagreement but have some real facts on your side and not fear mongering and ignorance.
    • wize up (07/10/2015, 09:41) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
      @ schups: there are a few other developments that came under heavy fire such the college, the recreation ground, as you said the Noel Lloyd park, the very same social security and now our people benefit tremendiously from these developments; there is always those among us that have that negative vibe:
  • rebel with a cause (07/10/2015, 09:08) Like (20) Dislike (13) Reply
    That's a very good point Mr.Nibbs IF WE ALREADY PAYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY WHICH IS IN PLACE CASE OF MEDICAL ISSUES WHY THESE SO CALLED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TRYING TO SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF THE POOR WHILE THEY BUSY MISLEADING AND MISMANAGING THE GOVERNMENT MONEY. WHY THE MINIMUM WAGE WAS NOT DEALT WITH FIRST. DO YOU REALLY THINK THESE PEOPLE CARE , NO THEY DONT. AND REMEMBER THE CREATOR DOES NOT SLEEP
    • .... (07/10/2015, 11:11) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      You people are mentally challenged. Social Security only covers a small percentage of health issues and the cost associated with them (being unable to work/maternity benefits). Furthermore, it is meant to cover a small portion of your living expenses after you retire. To suggest that this money is enough to cover all the medical needs of the Virgin Islands is just assinine. And then to top it off he said we should subsidize it. Who should subsidize it? Every Jackhole around here has access to a Mic and is given coverage in our online new. Just silly.....
    • hellboy (07/10/2015, 18:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      YEAH YOUR CREATOR JUST SIT AND WATCH PEOPLE SUFFER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • confusing (07/10/2015, 09:20) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    We should not forget that the Social Security board lent the BVI Government $35 million for the cruise pier....so obviously; SS needs more money...
  • peace (07/10/2015, 09:43) Like (13) Dislike (12) Reply
    We BVI Landers are too passive we sit down and let our politicians throw things down our throat. They forget is the people that put them there. They are not hand to mouth, they can survive. So they don't care about the little man. But God is in charge and his invisible hand is not handicap. He still does wonders. He rules in the affairs of men And he will take care of those wicked Politicians.
    • Schups (07/10/2015, 09:56) Like (17) Dislike (19) Reply
      Social Security is a retirement plan not a health insurance scheme!! The person talking about social security giving out loans, so what you want them to do? Their mandate is to grow the funds being contributed to ensure they can run their operations and pay out beneficiaries. The loans are not given out as gifts, they are awarded with interest, which grows the funds. People in the BVI are too quick to jump up and make their mouths loud without finding out the facts first. This man can just get up and talk nonsense and just because people don't want to pay more money they agree with him. Where is his data to back up his claims? What background does he have to make such statements about what can and cannot cover healthcare costs?
      • Music (07/10/2015, 10:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply

         In the UK which has many years experience of the welfare state, we used to have National Insurance which was for unemployment and pensions, and separate health contributions. Years ago they were combined and now indeed workers pay one sum to National Insurance to cover all welfare. However our Social Security was only set up for pensions basically, and a fine job they do of it. As it stands draining SS for health care would empty the coffers in a few weeks.

  • The TRUTH (07/10/2015, 10:08) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    So why did we need private insurance. Good Lord do you people think?
  • Jacklyn gumbs (07/10/2015, 11:27) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    I for one don't feel good about paying it either I don't think its fair I have two children in school and its only me alone my pay check is small already taking out more again its too much
  • LOL! (07/10/2015, 11:55) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Based on Nibbs' logic, since we are all paying Social Security already and our employers are also contributing, on that basis they should stop the private health coverage and just let SS pay for it? LMAOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I mean...sweet Jesus...SMH!
  • chad (07/10/2015, 14:35) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    every man jack getting them two mins of fame
  • Guest (07/10/2015, 15:44) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr. Nibbs doesn't understand the concept of social security pension and hospital insurance.. is this the person people should be listening to?
    • wize up (07/10/2015, 19:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ quest: thanks for freedom of speech, people like nibbs speak emotionally and not factually...
  • lily (07/10/2015, 22:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nobody don"t think anymore ???? ... How the hell can you merge SS and NHI ??? SS basically gives u a check to sustain yourself while you,re home ans sick.....and NHI is there to PAY your medical bills !!! So how the hell are you gonna sustain yourself on sick leave after leaving the hospital of a $900 bill and home for 3 weeks ????????? Common sense people !!!!
    • Umm (09/10/2015, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      In some countries Social Security also covers medical bills, as well as sick leave pay. Never minding that fact the VI SS funds might not be enough to fund paying for people's medical bills.
    • Common Sense (12/10/2015, 16:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      lily you lack common sense. In the UK the system is merged so that you contribute towards a pension and medical scheme under NHI. So instead of introducing a separate deduction for NHI, SS could have been increased- simple solution. Please check your facts and revise your argument.


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