Social Security and SKNYPA to host Youth Symposium
By Melissa Bryant
Reporter~SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Right~~BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts and Nevis Social Security Board (SS), in collaboration with the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA), is holding a Youth Symposium tomorrow (Nov. 29) at the Players’ Dining Room in Warner Park.
The Symposium is part of the SS’s ongoing efforts to receive feedback on the organisation’s Reform Process.
There have been several meetings with community stakeholders to garner comments and suggestions on the Reform Process, but due to the low youth turnout at these meetings it was decided that a separate gathering should be held in order to generate more youth response.
The Symposium is open to members of the youth community, particularly young professionals, entrepreneurs and members of youth organisations.
According to Public Relations Officer Kamilah Lawrence, the event is a “perfect opportunity for youth to document their concerns about the SS Reform process”.
“This is an avenue for young people to discuss the fund, how it affects them, and what is recommended if the fund is to be sustainable.
“The main goal is to have a very inclusive report, one that has input both from the youth and the more elderly persons in society, to present to the Board so that the document is one that comprehensively outlines the concerns of all stakeholders,” she said.
The Symposium will begin with a presentation by Chairman of the SS Reform Board Ervin Bailey, who will enlighten as to where the fund currently is and predictions for its future.
Following the Chairman’s presentation, the participants will split up into five focus groups which include Self-Employed Coverage, Investment, General Administration, Benefits and Contributions. Fact sheets will be provided and the delegates will then be asked to submit recommendations on their specific areas.
Registration forms are available at the Social Security’s office on the Bay Road, although persons are welcome to attend the Symposium even if they have not completed a form.
Lawrence noted that a similar event would be held in Nevis sometime in the near future and stressed that it was “important for young persons to have a greater appreciation and a better understanding of SS”.
“Many people don’t recognise the value of SS unless something bad has happened to them and they want to claim a benefit such as employment injury or sickness,” she revealed.
The Symposium runs from 2:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. but registration begins at 1:00 p.m. Attendees are therefore asked to be present for that time.
