NIS takes Brazilians to court

Nov 25, 2013 News

Two Brazilian businesswomen appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday to answer to charges filed against them by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Maria Dos Santos, proprietor of Fatima Models Boutique Trading and Cheyenne Dos Santos, proprietor of Hotel Marion, whose businesses coexist at 71 Robb Street, Bourda, both pleaded not guilty to the separate charges which alleged that between January – August they failed to produce wages’ records and contribution schedules to the National Insurance Scheme office when instructed to do so by an NIS inspector.
The accused were both unrepresented by counsel and their submissions were interpreted by William Harris, who is attached to the Brazilian Embassy.
The Boutique owner stated that over the past few months, she had made a trip to Brazil and entrusted her entity of someone who did not have any knowledge on the handlings of NIS procedures or requirements. She told the court that she currently has the documents for April to August and was unaware of the fact that she was required to present both sets of documents.
Meanwhile, the Hotel owner explained that her business has been having continuous staff turn around.  According to her “they keep coming and going.” The business woman further told the court that she was oblivious to the seriousness attached to failing to keep records and presenting them to NIS.
The women, who are related by marriage, told the court that they have no prior convictions or pending charges and they reside at 71 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.
The Chief Magistrate emphasised that innocence of the law is not an excuse whereas Prosecutor Bharat Mangru who stood in the matter on behalf of NIS, offered no objection to bail.
Thus, Magistrate Beharry allowed the businesswomen bail in the sum of $75,000 each and the matter will be called again on December 16.