Prime Minister Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell held a wide-ranging discussion on Thursday (December 2) with representatives of insurance companies. The Prime Minister convened the meeting in light of concerns regarding insurance claims brought to his attention during his many visits to villages, since the passage of Hurricane Ivan. Prime Minister Mitchell noted that Government has the fundamental responsibility to ensure insurance businesses operate in an atmosphere of regulations. “Government must also ensure that people’s rights are protected, while recognising that businesses must flourish,” he said. It was agreed that there is need to strengthen the Office of the Supervisor of Insurance to ensure that all companies adhere to regulations. The Prime Minister said that the industry, collectively, has a problem in that many persons are disappointed with the response from companies when they apply to rectify or normalise their claim settlements. It was agreed that more care should be taken by the industry in explaining the details of insurance policies in terms that ordinary citizens can understand, and that the industry should embark on a campaign to disseminate information about the industry to the public. It was determined that many people are under the false impression that wooden houses could not be insured, as several representatives said their companies do insure wooden houses, depending on the location. Prime Minister Mitchell said the passage of Hurricane Ivan has created an opportunity to address several housing related issues, including that of squatters and land use policy. “It is important that the insurance industry is part of the planning process, as we address the many issues related to housing,” the Prime Minister added. The companies represented at the meeting were NALGICO, Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd., Caribbean Alliance Co. Ltd., Trans-Nemwil Insurance (Grenada) Ltd, the Beacon Insurance Co. Ltd., Grensure Fire & General Insurance Ltd., NEWWIM, SAGICOR, Grenada Motor and General Insurance, CLICO International General Insurance Co. Source: Office of the Prime Minister