Published 29th May 2006, 2:59pm

The first-ever visit to the Sister Islands by National Pensions Office (NPO) officials will help employers and employees to understand their responsibilities under the Pensions Law.

Pensions Superintendent Cyril Theriault, accompanied by Pensions Inspector Pierre Lautischer, will visit Cayman Brac on 8 and 9 June.

As the regulatory body with respect to private pension plans in the Cayman Islands, the National Pensions Office exists to ensure the effective and efficient administration, implementation and evolution of the National Pensions Law and Regulations.

Mr Theriault said the NPO's visit is an opportunity for employers and employees to have private meetings about the National Pensions Law. It also will allow NPO officials to meet with a few employers whose employees have lodged complaints, as well as employers who have refused to acknowledge correspondence issued by the Pensions Office.

Sister Islands District Commissioner Kenny Ryan said he welcomes the visit, which 'is timely and will be useful in informing all sectors of the community of their pension obligations'. While not excessive, and while no cases are currently the subject of court action, there is some noncompliance among Brac employers in regard to pensions, said Mr. Theriault.

During the two-day visit, the NPO visitors will be based at the District Administration Building's conference room. They will begin with a general presentation for the general public, and subsequently offer private meetings. The itinerary for the NPO's visit is as follows.

Thursday, 8 June (10 a.m. to 12 noon):

NPO informational presentation on the National Pensions Law, highlighting employers' and employees' responsibilities. All members of the public are invited to attend.

Thursday, (2pm-5pm):

Scheduled appointments and interviews with employees and employers.

Friday, 9 June (9am-5pm):

Individual scheduled appointments.

Future Sister Islands visits by the NPO, including a visit to Little Cayman, will take place based on the demand for its services, Mr Theriault said.

Employers or employees interested in arranging individual appointments for the Brac visits should call the NPO at 945-8960, or by e-mailing npo@gov.ky.