KINGSTON, Jamaica— Opposition Spokesperson on Labour and Social Security, Dr Angela Brown Burke, has expressed deep concern over recent allegations regarding a pension fraud probe at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in which hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money have gone missing.

Reports are that internal audits at the ministry revealed that money paid out under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is more than twice the amount which should have been paid based on the pension order books issued by the ministry.

READ: Pension fraud probe— Millions of dollars believed swindled using NIS payment vouchers

The Opposition spokesperson stated that “these reports are particularly disheartening as many pensioners have reported significant delays in receiving their already meagre payments due to a lack of funding within the ministry”.

She added that the situation is causing undue hardship and distress for individuals who rely on these funds for their daily sustenance and who will now have to experience further delays due to the misappropriation of funds.

Opposition spokesperson stated that the public has a right to be promptly informed about the status of investigations regarding the fraud at the ministry.

As such, the Opposition is calling on the Government to expedite the investigation process and provide clear and transparent updates to the public.

In the interest of thoroughness and impartiality, the Opposition also urged the ministry to seek external assistance, such as engaging the expertise of the Office of the Auditor General to ensure a comprehensive examination of the matter.

In expressing her concern, Dr Brown Burke stated that “taking funds from the NIS is equivalent to robbing the most vulnerable members of our society. She noted that the NIS was established with the noble purpose of providing financial security to those in need, particularly pensioners who have dedicated their lives to building our nation. Any mismanagement or misappropriation of these funds is an egregious violation of their rights and a betrayal of the trust placed in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security”.

The Opposition is therefore urging the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action in addressing these allegations in order to restore public confidence in this vital institution.