Social Security breaks ground at Pinney’s Estate, Nevis for construction of new office building

On Friday May 17 2013, the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board broke ground for the construction of its new Office Building at Pinney’s Estate, Nevis.

To signal the official start of the proceedings, Scholarship Holder and student of the Gingerland High School, Mr. Rickell Mills presented the National Anthem via a pan rendition. This was followed by the invocation delivered by Reverend Salome James who sought God’s continued blessing on the Social Security institution throughout the entire construction process and further to the people whose needs would be met by the organization.

Director of the Social Security Board, Mrs. Sephlin Lawrence gave the Welcome Remarks during which she announced that the Board was pleased to be able to better serve the people of Nevis in a new, modern facility in an area that is expected to be further developed for commercial business in the near future. She further stated that Social Security will continue to do its part to stimulate the economy of Nevis while injecting approximately $19 million to fund this project; thereby creating jobs and returning contributions to the Social Security Fund.

The Director’s Remarks were followed by an overview of the project by Project Manager, Mr. Peter Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins mentioned that the three-story concrete, steel enforced structure will feature both office space for Social Security and commercial rental space. The eco-friendly, modern facility is to be constructed on some 2 acres of land and will occupy over 46 000 square feet of space.

Chairman of the Board, Mr. Halva Hendrickson supported the comments of the Director related to the injection of funds into the local economy to spur employment over the next eighteen months, the estimated construction period.

Following the Chairman’s remarks, Premier of Nevis, Hon. Vance Amory declared his Administration’s full support to provide the relevant assistance to Social Security with the hope of maintaining a mutually beneficial partnership for all involved.

Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for Social Security, Dr. the Rt. Hon Denzil Douglas delivered the final remarks underscoring the importance of the vision of the founders of Social Security to ensure that all eligible persons are able to access the benefits guaranteed by Social Security. This reference, he assured. is related to the leadership and insight of Social Security to provide appropriate facilities to serve the people – thus the construction of a new, enhanced edifice.

Afterwards, Director Mrs. Sephlin Lawrence, Chairman Mr. Halva Hendrickson, Project Manager Mr. Peter Jenkins, Contractor Mr. Analdo Chiverton of Chiverton’s Construction, Premier Hon. Vance Amory and Prime Minister, Dr the Rt. Hon Denzil Douglas participated in the symbolic turning of the sod.

Assistant Director Branch Office, Mr. Vernel Powell delivered the Vote of Thanks while the program was ably chaired by Assistant Director, Research, Statistics and Public Relations, Mr. Elvin Bailey.