BASSETERRE St.Kitts, March 24th 2011 - Two weeks ago, my first commentary was published and I was truly surprised by the readership. Many persons commented on the information therein and encouraged me to pen others. Other readers welcomed a new face and writer to the Social Security column. So in order to please our readers I submit myself to your request and have decided to focus this week on some of the activities of the Public Relations Department, particularly our educational outreach programs.
The Public Relations Team is committed to educating and informing the public about the operations of the Social Security Fund and their rights and obligations as insured persons.
Our core functions include providing customers with the information about their entitlements and benefits, employing research methods and techniques which indentify public attitudes and responses, engaging the public in meaningful dialogue, publicizing all relevant Social Security activities, devising and implementing strategies to enhance the image of the Social Security Board and fostering improved relationships between Employers, Employees and the Board amongst other duties.
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To ensure that these functions are met, the following programs have been designed to publicize the important message of social security protection.
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Social Security Five - This 5 minute pre-recorded radio program aired weekly on various radio stations, provides relevant information on the Board’s operations, benefits, general guidelines and other related matters.
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“Because You Deserve A Future!” Radio call-in program aired once monthly at 8:30 a.m. on WINN FM on the last Wednesday of each month offers the public an opportunity to converse directly with Social Security representatives.
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Social Security and You Television Series, a 15 minute presentation aired every Wednesday night after the evening news on both ZIZ Television and NNC features interviews, news and guidelines for employers and employees.
Apart from our regular and timely News Releases and our widely read commentaries in the Federation’s leading newspapers, the Social Security Board produces the following publications;
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VISION & Insight, our quarterly bulletins
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Annual audited accounts
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Actuarial Reports
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and most recently our Statistical Digest which captures numerical information.
We are very proud also of our schools’ education program. This exercise provides an opportunity for Social Security representatives to engage in interactive sessions with the youth of the Federation via educational visits, quizzes, debates and essay competitions among others.
Similarly, visits to various entities including Government, NGO’s, and job sites are regularly conducted to ensure that the working population and employers too, are advised of their rights, obligations and entitlement to the various benefits offered by Social Security.
At Social Security, we understand the importance of responding to factors in our environment that affects the operations of the Fund and realize the need for continuous dialogue and education of our stakeholders.
For this reason, we welcome every opportunity to discuss any aspect of Social Security with you. We encourage your calls, office visits and emails to further enhance knowledge – yours and ours - on any issue that may arise.
Kindly contact our offices to arrange your public education visit at 869 465 2535 or 869 469 5245 or you may email us at pubinfo@socialsecurity.kn. And of course it’s never a problem for you to continue meet any member of our team on the streets to ask your burning questions. We really enjoy our interactions with you!
Remember also to check us out on Facebook at Social/Security St. Kitts and Nevis for the latest happenings. Give us a ‘Like’, leave a post, participate in our discussions and most importantly tell your friends and family about us. After all, our public education program is designed to engage you.
