NIS joins race to make payments before Christmas Day Article by December 24, 2020 The Ministry of Tourism, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and a handful of hoteliers are locked in a race against time to deliver thousands in outstanding severance payments in time for Christmas. Minister of Tourism and International Transport Senator Lisa Cummins told Barbados TODAY that the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa has finally agreed to pay its former employees. The Government senator has also confirmed that NIS officials are working around the clock to deliver 100 per cent of the funds owed to severed employees of the Hilton Barbados.