The National Drama Association of TT (NDATT) is inviting all creative and cultural workers to an open meeting with a local insurance provider, with the aim of developing a group insurance plan that can meet the needs of upcoming and established independent creative professionals. The meeting will take place on Saturday 5 August from 10AM at the Helen May Johnstone Room, Queen’s Hall, 1-3 St Ann’s Road, St Ann’s.
Knowing that it is difficult to find a solution to the problem of insurance plans for life, health and pension, NDATT has engaged representatives of this insurance provider to develop a group policy for its members. NDATT membership is open to students, individuals and companies who engage in the art and business of a variety of theatre, performing and creative arts disciplines.
Some benefits include: lower premiums as part of a group plan than for an individual plan; pension: income after retirement; life: your family will have enough money to cover your funeral expenses and some additional money accordingly; and, health: reduced costs for doctors visits, eyes and dental procedures.
NDATT President Safa Niamat-Ali said, “At present, theatre practitioners who are considered self-employed can’t make NIS payments for themselves. Unless you have some other form of employment and your employer makes the payments on your behalf, you won’t be eligible for NIS benefits while working and after retirement. Some of the benefits provided by NIS include Sickness, Maternity, Invalidity, Funeral Grant, Retirement, and Employment Injury.”
NDATT secretary Paula Lindo noted that “the government pension distributed through the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services is a grant and there’s no guarantee that you will receive this. Additionally, there has been much difficulty in finding individual insurance plans that are flexible and affordable, and accommodate the needs of theatre practitioners.”
To facilitate the necessary calculations to determine the policy details and options that can be available for each member under the group plan, interested people are asked to walk with the following documents: proof of identity (ID card, drivers permit, passport); and, proof of residential address (utility bill).
NDATT members and all creative and cultural workers are invited to this open meeting. As refreshments will be provided, persons interested in attending are asked to RSVP HERE by 8PM on Thursday 3rd August, 2023.
For further information contact the National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago at nationaldramatnt@gmail.com, call (868) 351-6293 or follow @iamndatt on facebook, twitter and instagram.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 