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Parade Celebrates St. Kitts and Nevis Social Security Fund
By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
 BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS- The streets of downtown Basseterre came alive Thursday afternoon as the Social Security grand parade wound its way from Greenlands and culminated in front of the Social Security Building on the Bay Road.
The lively parade was just one of many events celebrating the Social Security Board’s 30th anniversary. Hon. Sam Condor, under whose portfolio Social Security falls was amongst the many dignitaries present at the parade.
Bystanders taking in the festive procession were treated to uniformed children marching to accompanying drum troupes. Many businesses and adults in the parade carried signs with various slogans stating their support for the Social Security Fund.
Following the parade the gathered crowd was entertained by talented school children performing everything from choreographed dancing to a steel drum rendition of Sean Kingston’s hit song ‘Beautiful Girls.’ There were also several dignitaries present who addressed the crowd, including the Minister responsible for the Social Security Fund, the Hon. Sam Condor. ~~Adz:Right~~
In a speech broadcast on February 1st, the Minister stated that he was pleased with the impact the Fund has had on St. Kitts and Nevis. “From January to October 2007, the Fund has disbursed $6.4M in short term benefits, $17.6M in pensions, and $0.87M in employment injury benefits. Also worthy of note is the 8,427 and 1,066 claimants who were paid sickness and maternity benefits, respectively.
“The distinct privilege, therefore, has been mine to witness the development of a Fund that inherited assets of $15M in 1978 and grew to over $890M by the end of October 2007,” Condor said.
He also encouraged the general public of St. Kitts and Nevis to be supportive of the continued growth of the Social Security Fund in the next thirty years. Thursday’s parade was merely one of several events that are scheduled through the 28th of April, including many speeches, rallies, and even a dominos tournament. The community’s involvement in the various scheduled activities “will ensure that the collective wisdom of all of us is brought to bear on any final decision regarding reform,” said the Minister.
The ultimate goal of this celebration, which is themed ‘Building on Yesterday’s Foundation, Consolidating Today’s Success, Fashioning Tomorrow’s Vision’, is to ensure the sustainability of Social Security. The Minister closed his speech by saying he hoped that the government and public could work together “so that tomorrow’s beneficiaries can enjoy the blessing that is the Social Security System.”
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