Scores turn out for Social Security Parade
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter - SKNVibes.com
CHARLESTTOWN, Nevis – IN keeping with activities to mark its 30th Anniversary, Social Security held a parade in Nevis last Friday that attracted a large crowd and culminated into a rally at the Memorial Square in Charlestown.
The events marking the anniversary are being held under the theme, “Building on yesterday’s foundation, consolidating today’s success, fashioning tomorrow’s vision 1978-2008.”
Various troupes comprising people of all backgrounds, including school children, marched from the Nevis Cultural Centre to the Memorial Square bearing placards.
The rally was addressed by, among others, the Deputy Prime Minister with
responsibility for Social Security, Sam Condor, who said Social Security was one of the unifying institutions in the Federation. “It is the best thing that has ever happened. It is our gift to ourselves.”Amidst applause, the Deputy Prime Minister said Social Security cuts across all barriers.
The Premier of Nevis, Joseph Parry, thanked Social Security for the EC20m loaned to Nevis Island Administration (NIA) which will facilitate Nevisians to own homes.
EC10m will facilitate civil servants, teachers and established workers to own homes while the other half will go into general houses. “Social Security has become part of our vehicle of development,” the Premier said.
~~Adz:Left~~ Director Social Security Board Sephilin Lawrence told employees to ensure that their employers paid their Social Security dues. She said Social Security had impacted all sectors and averted poverty and embarrassment in many households.
“After 30 years, no worker should be colluding with his employer to evade their Social Security obligaton.” She called on workers to go to Social Security offices with their pay slips every quarter to confirm dues remitted by employers.
Lawrence said to date EC300m had been disbursed in benefits since 1978, and among sectors that have benefited from Social Security financial contributions are hospitals and clinics.
Other Social Security financial contributions to the society include 133 high school scholarships and two full tertiary scholarships. In addition, 14 persons have received financial assistance for their education.
Lawrence told students to demand that employers’ contribute their dues when they work during the school holidays.
Chairman of Social Security Board Halva Hendrickson told those present that half of the scholarships were granted to Nevisians. Elvin Bailey, Assistant Director, Statistics and Public Information, said a substantial amount of money saved through Social Security goes back to stimulate the economy.
Bailey told Social Security members that they would have an opportunity to reshape the institution during the ongoing Social Security reform process.
Photos: Social Security parade and rally images
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