Saint Lucia: National Insurance Corporation declared the relaunch of the ‘Golden Citizens Program’. The program was launched during a ceremony at the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, on Friday, December 15, 2023, under the theme ‘Celebrating Your Golden Years with Exclusive Rewards.’
The re-imagined program is an initiative that honours NIC retirement pensioners in collaboration with the business community to provide them discounts on goods and services.
The principle mainly aims to augment the economic and purchasing power of the NIC pension. It considers the ever-rising tide of inflation and recognizes the contribution of retirees in the development of the nation.
NIC Chairman – Mr Evaristus Jn Marie, said that the program is a clear demonstration that the NIC has been committed for long since 2004 to provide value beyond making pension payments to its pensioners. The program was started under the guidance of the then Director – Emma Hippolyte.
The Chairman added to his statement, “We at the NIC have remained committed to finding new ways of providing value to pensioners. In the search to create added value for pensioners, I want to promise that we are open to ideas from pensioners because, in many ways, pensioners are better placed to inform the direction of this search.”
He mentioned that more than 60 businesses have registered to participate in the program, offering discounts of up to 20% on goods and services, including other incentives.
NIC Communications Manager – Mr Shervon Alfred was also present at the ceremony and expressed that they will continue to engage the private sector with a view to expanding the number of businesses participating in the Golden Citizens Program.
He shared that the ultimate goal is to create an extensive network that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of pensioners by offering them a wide range of options.
As per the sources, ‘Gold Cards’ will be issued to the NIC retirement pensioners, which they can present to the participating businesses in order to claim their exclusive discounts.
Notably, the participating businesses will be identified through their display of the special Golden Citizens Program decal. The program is open to government pensioners who are members of the Saint Lucia Association of Retired Persons (SLARP).
Concluding the ceremony, The National Insurance Corporation extended its sincere appreciation to the businesses that have partnered with them ensuring the success of the Golden Citizens Program.
Reportedly, NIC will begin registering qualified retired pensioners with their gold cards in future. Details regarding registration of locations and dates will be announced soon and can be made through local media and NIC social media platforms.
