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'Consistent compliance with contributions & regulations is indispensable' for NHI- Lorie A. Freeman

Lorie A. Freeman, Director of the BVI Social Security Board addressed the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony of the National Health Insurance. Photo:Facebook
A call has been made to employers and small businesses in the Virgin Islands to consistently honor their commitments to the National Health Insurance (NHI). Photo: Facebook
A call has been made to employers and small businesses in the Virgin Islands to consistently honor their commitments to the National Health Insurance (NHI). Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A call has been made to employers and small businesses owners in the Virgin Islands (VI) to consistently honor their commitments to the National Health Insurance (NHI).

Lorie A. Freeman, Director of the BVI Social Security Board (SBB), made this statement during the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony of the National Health Insurance. 

She emphasised, "The future of NHI depends on a continuous, shared responsibility among all of us, all stakeholders, government, health providers, citizens, and crucially, employers."

Compliance is important

Freeman highlighted the vital role of compliance, noting that actuarial reviews of the NHI have shown that increased compliance from employers will improve the overall position of the NHI. 

"So your consistent compliance with contributions and regulations is indispensable for the systems, financial health, and equitable access. This commitment is a powerful win-win," she added.

Freeman reiterated to employers, "It's a win-win for all of you. Your active participation transfers directly into a healthier, more productive workforce, reduces absentism, streamlines administration of health benefits, fostering a more stable and efficient business environment, and not to forget the self-employed, small businesses."

Small businesses' role crucial for NHI 

She acknowledged that small businesses are the lifeblood of society. 

"So please, please self-employed, small businesses. Don't count yourself out. Your regular contributions are a vital investment in your own sustained well-being and economic capacity. Safeguarding your ability to continue your valuable work. So please secure your future."

Freeman assured Virgin Islanders of the system stewards' commitment to providing easy access to information, stating that digital transformation is a key priority for the NHI moving forward, along with network expansion and policy evolution.

"We will ensure, energise long-term viability, and build a resilient health system that serves and strengthens future generations together. We will continue to grow and strengthen the health of our nation."

"NHI is here to stay," she emphasised further.

7 Responses to “'Consistent compliance with contributions & regulations is indispensable' for NHI- Lorie A. Freeman”

  • My one question.. (10/01/2026, 10:05) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Isn't there legislation that causes delinquent employers to be punished..? If not, they should be, if they are such legislation for punishment, then apply the punishment and quit the pleading and begging...I still think the private health providers are robbing NHI. There also should be legislation to control the greed and dishonesty of private health providers..NHI is good but with controlling and obligations legislation, it will be better...
  • @My only one question (10/01/2026, 11:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    To answer you. The recourse they have right now is to take delinquent employers to civil court and request a judge or Magistrate to order them to pay. However they won't go after because of who these thieves are. Some of them are ppl who say them is prominent business ppl, but to garner the wages of their employees is down right Theft a criminal offense that the police can deal with and locked up these thieves but NHI & SSB refused to do it. The compounder or facilitator is just as good as the thief.
  • WHAT!!! (10/01/2026, 12:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    You at NHI know who is not paying in the contributions that they deduct but do nothing about the problem.
    Time long gone for “ pleading” time for leagal action , theft from employees and NHI plain and simple.
  • MJD (10/01/2026, 13:11) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Publish the names of defaulters and if not paid in 30 days charge them for theft and non compliance
  • Yes I (10/01/2026, 15:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    While we at NHI ever since nhi come in to effect I never made a claim but at some point they make a change to card so one would have to change their cards but for some reason I didn't get to change it so one day I went to a dentist office went done I give them the old card it not valid yet every pay period I pay in to the system, when I go to Dr, office I in cash, so it was the other way around they would have found out, so it would be fair if them refund me, I never get to use the card in ten years
  • WHY? (10/01/2026, 15:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why do I have to pay NHI from both jobs and my cap or benefits as the same as everyone else? I want back my one health insurance that was accepted for much more and it wasn't a percentage of my salary. That sounds more like a fancy social security to me hence both SS and NHI are almost one in the same. Just scrap NHI and done
  • Stealth (10/01/2026, 18:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Does the law require employers to deduct NHI contributions and submit them to social security soonest? If so when are employers required to submit deductions to social security? Does the law have the teeth and chew to require submissions in a timely manner? Is social security lax in taking legal action against dead beat employers? Are the dead beats committing fraud by deliberately withholding contributions and not paying them to social security? Are employees, recipients, etc, level of service,compensation, etc, adversely impacted by the fraud? Is social security deliberate in who take legal action against ?


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