BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, February 24, 2023 (ZIZ Newsroom)- Nine students from high schools around St. Kitts and Nevis were inducted to the Social Security Board’s Susanna Lee High School Scholarship Program during a ceremony held at E. St. John Payne Annex on Thursday.
Along with the scholarship awardees, four students were given one-time assistance and seven 5th Form graduates were recognized for their achievement in the recent CSEC examinations.
During the ceremony Prime Minister and Minister of Social Security, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew provided brief remarks.
He spoke of the significance of the ceremony’s theme “Striving for Excellence” noting that it is a testament to what is required of the awardees.
“The theme, “Striving for Excellence” is quite fitting as it speaks to exactly what is required of you as scholarship recipients. It is a reward for your hard work and commitment to academia and a reinforcement to continue to be relentless in your academic pursuits and thrive for the best.”
The Prime Minister urged the students to take advantage of the many opportunities that the program provides.
“I urge you to take advantage of every convenience supported you through this program. Use it as an asset to build not only your resume, but your character and discipline, and encourage you even at your young age to be intentional.”
He concluded by congratulating the students and wished them all the best in their future endeavors.
The Social Security Board’s Scholarship Program began in 1983 and to date over 300 students have been awarded.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 1, 2023 (ZIZ Newsroom): Prime Minister and Minister Responsible for Social Security, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has hailed the contributions of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board to the development of the nation over the years.
He was at the time delivering an address on Wednesday to mark the 45th anniversary of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board.
The anniversary is being observed under the theme “Transform Reform Thrive: Social Security 45.”
In his speech Prime Minister Drew spoke of the various areas where the Social Security Board has offered support.
“As a socially responsible organization, Social Security has demonstrated its commitment to nation building through its various programs. Annual donations to health and national security, education, capital investment in local development projects, support to youth programs and NGO’s, all add value to the core function of social security,” he said.
He noted that although Social Security has provided consistent support over the years, there needs to be a reform of its structure to ensure that it is sustainable.
“Without adjustments, to the current structure, our robust fund can be depleted by 2040 or thereabout. The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration is committed to ensure that the Reform Agenda is carried out and the best possible solutions are implemented over time to thrust Social Security into another 45 years of service to our people,” he said.
He also urged employers to commit to contributing to the fund for the benefit of their employees.
“As Minister with responsibility for Social Security matters, I make an earnest plea to Employers and the Self Employed, to remain compliant and make the required monthly, regular remittances to Social Security to meet the future needs of your staff who trust you to do the right thing on their behalf and to secure future benefits for yourself in retirement. I encourage all stakeholders to pay keen attention to social security matters and to ascribe to your rights and obligations as insured persons,” he said
As part of anniversary activities the Management and Staff of Social Security will worship together at Zion Moravian Church, on Sunday February 5th.
Other planned events include an Awards Gala, a Virtual Panel Discussion, Scholarship Induction Ceremony and Stakeholders Meetings.
-30-
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 09, 2021 (RSCNPF): The efficiency of the detectives at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in preparing documents necessary for court will be improved with the donation of two laptops from the Social Security Board (SSB).
Officials from the SSB made the presentation on Friday, April 09, 2021, during a brief handing over ceremony at Police Headquarters. Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy explained that, some months ago, he approached the SSB to request their assistance with the procurement of laptops for detectives in the CID. Last year, Commissioner Brandy was informed by the Director of Public Prosecution that paper committals would replace preliminary inquiries in court. Paper committals require that all evidence be tendered to the magistrate in the form of typed statements.
“So we deemed it fit that the criminal investigation department should be equipped with some laptops so it can make their work much easier. If I’m asking my officers to produce in a given time, I think they should be equipped with the necessary equipment so they can work,” Commissioner Brandy said.
The Commissioner expressed his gratitude for the kind gesture. He added that SSB’s donation during this difficult and financially challenging period demonstrated the institution’s strong commitment to assisting the Police with its crime fighting efforts.
“Crime fighting is not just for the Police. Crime fighting is for the entire country and I’m very happy that Social Security can come onboard and show their generosity by donating these two computers this morning. It is always [good] when you have corporate institutions and private citizens donating to the organization. That means they have the interest of the country at heart when it comes to crime fighting,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the SSB, Chief Financial Officer, Marilyn Johnson, disclosed that they have supported the Ministry of National Security over the years in tangible ways.
“While we focus on the financial security of our members, we do recognize that the physical security and safety of our citizens are very important to the sustainability of our economy on which Social Security thrives,” Ms. Johnson explained. “So in recognition of our desire to partner with you, and support you in what you do, we have made this donation of these two computers. We wish we could do more, but we will continue to support you as time goes along.”
“We recognize that computers and laptops are necessary tools these days for you to be effective and efficient in what you do and so, on behalf of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board, the Director, and senior management and staff, it gives me great pleasure to present to you these laptops, and we trust that they will help you in the execution of your duties in keeping our country safe,” said Ms. Johnson just before presenting the devices to the Commissioner.
]]>BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 23, 2021 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – With an unprecedented number of claims being made against the Severance Payment Fund in the last year alone, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is taking active steps to make the processing of these claims more efficient.
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, while speaking at his monthly press conference on March 23, 2021, said the concerns of many regarding delays in the processing of their severance claims have been discussed at length by his Government at recent Cabinet meetings.
The reasons advanced by the Labour Commissioner for the delays include the unprecedented number of persons, some 2,839 persons, who have submitted severance claims as a result of COVID-19. Moreover, the unprecedented volume of records to be processed, the failure of employers to paying their contributions to the Severance Fund and discrepancy in data were identified as the other reasons for the delays.
“At yesterday’s meeting of the Cabinet, it was decided to expedite processing of claims by recruiting additional workers on a temporary basis. An additional work shift will also be implemented, and further support will be made available to the Labour Department. We have determined that notwithstanding the practice of not giving support to claims for which no payment had been made into the fund, the Government out of compassion would honour all claims even where the employer has not paid over his/her contribution to the Severance Fund,” Prime Minister Harris said.
According to the prime minister, there are millions of dollars outstanding as a result of unpaid contributions to the Severance Fund by employers. He said, “The Social Security Board will however commence legal action against delinquent employers. I want to encourage those delinquent employers to make payment plans with Social Security and save themselves the embarrassment and expense of a court trial.”
Dr. Harris added that his Government will also “provide an advance payment to persons whose claims have not yet been processed to allow them to meet their most urgent needs.”
The latest figures show that the Federal Government has paid out $23.8 million in severance payments to date.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 29th, 2020 (ZIZ News):
By: Chaïra Flanders
The St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association is gearing up to host several activities as part of LAW Week 2020.
The activities are scheduled to begin next week under the theme, “Justice in the New Normal, Crisis Meets Opportunity”.
In a brief interview with ZIZ, Chairperson of the Law Week Organising Committee, Talibah Byron outlined the reasons why that specific theme was chosen.
“With that theme in mind, we hope to use LAW Week to tackle some of the burning issues that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and what we are now operating is called the new normal. So we not only want to analyse some of the problems and issues that have arisen but we also want to provide legal solutions and practical solutions to many of the problems that so many of us have been facing as a result of the pandemic”, she said.
She spoke in detail about one of the events that the Association is eagerly looking forward to hosting and noted that it will take place in the form of a Public Education Symposium on Tuesday
“So many of us have been laid off, made redundant, fired or our vacation leave is up in the air and things like that. So we are going to use that symposium to address some of the issues. We are excited to have on that panel, Ms Shernel James, she is the Labour Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis. We have MR. Lion Charles who is the General Legal Counsel for the Social Security Board and we also have Mrs. Akela Brown Edinborough who is the HR Manager for Belmont Resorts Limited. That panel is going to be moderated by Ms Deniece Alleyne, she’s an attorney and she is a member of the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association”, Byron explained.
She added that on Thursday November 5, the lawyers will participate in what is being dubbed a “Continuing Legal Education Symposium” which aims to improve professional development of the counsel. This event will focus on the topic, “Access to Justice and the Rule of Law”. Ms Byron said the association hopes to cover constitutional law issues and public law issues that have surfaced as a result of the pandemic.
Throughout the week, Legal tips and advice will be shared with the public on the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association’s YouTube, Instagram and Facebook pages.
Byron encouraged the public to participate in the events scheduled to run from Sunday November 1 to Saturday November 7
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS September 29, 2020 (Nevis Island Administration) — A donation of fabric face masks by budding entrepreneur Ms. Zwena Jones of Zee’s Exquisite Apparel Line (ZEAL) to staff at the Nevis Branch of the St. Christopher and Nevis Board to help in the fight against COVID-19 was well received.
Mr. Donovan Herbert, Senior Branch Manager of the Board in Nevis, at a ceremony at the branch office at Pinney’s Estate on September 25, 2020, to mark the donation, expressed gratitude to Ms. Jones and encouraged her to continue to keep her temperament.
“Ms. Zwena Jones took action during the COVID crisis. Very shortly after the lockdown Ms. Zwena Jones came to the office with her mother, of course, and donated 25 masks made with her own hands and her skills to our staff.
“The masks were well needed at the time and our staff were extremely appreciative of the gesture. So today we want to put the spotlight on Ms. Zwena Jones and we want the whole of St. Kitts and Nevis, more particular the citizens and residents of Nevis, to see a prime example of a wonderful young lady, doing something positive for our nation, and so Ms. Jones, I will encourage you to keep that attitude. Keep that mindset,” he said.
Ms. Jones who is a recipient of a Social Security Board scholarship, and a student of the Nevis Sixth Form College, noted that the donation was her way of giving back to the institution in a show of gratitude.
“It was a pleasure giving back to my scholarship donor…They have been contributing to my education journey for the past six years and I am forever grateful,” she said in response.
]]>BASSETERRE ST. KITTS, 08TH SEPTEMBER 2020 — The St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board hereby announces a continued stimulus payment for the unemployed for the month of September ONLY, as announced by the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris.
Specifically, this payment is to provide relief to those persons who are still laid off/unemployed as a result of COVID in the Tourism and related sectors.
The guidelines are as follows:
For Employers
• A certified list of all persons confirmed as laid off/unemployed due to COVID as at 31st August 2020 should be submitted by employers within the Tourism and related sectors.
• The list should identify Employer Name, Employer Registration Number, Employee’s first and last name and Employee Social Security Number.
• The list received would be verified by Social Security in particular, ourCompliance Department.
• Applications for new applicants within this industry should be submitted with the list. Application forms for pre-existing applicants would not be necessary as their previous application would be used.
• The list from Employers and any new application forms must be submitted to the Social Security Board no later than the 18th of September 2020 at 4pm and Employers can make their submissions through our drop box facilities outside of the Social Security building on the Bay Road, St. Kitts or Pinney’s Estate Nevis.
• Those in other industries will be subject to verification and approval on a case by case basis. These include persons such as school vendors, entertainers, airport red cap persons, entertainment and recreational vendors etc.
• Persons in receipt of Social Security pensions or any type of benefits are not eligible for the payment.
• Government Employees, employees of Statutory Corporations and STEP employees are not eligible for the payment.
• Persons in receipt of PAP or any other form of income will not be eligible for the payment. These also include persons on reduced hours.
• Employees who have received his/her redundancy payments will not be eligible for the payment.
For the Self-employed
• Self Employed persons within the Tourism Industry who are registered and have not resumed activities will be eligible. These include persons such as taxi drivers, beach braiders, beach vendors, souvenir vendors, monkey vendors, tour guides, masseuse etc. All applications will be thoroughly vetted.
• Self Employed persons who meet the criteria must re-apply. Application forms for the self-employed will be made available at our offices from Tuesday 8th September 2020 and submissions can be made through our drop box facilities outside of the Social Security building on the Bay Road, St. Kitts or Pinney’s Estate Nevis.
• Forms must be submitted no later than the 18th of September 2020 at 4pm.
• Self-employed persons receiving any other form of income will not qualify for the payments, that is (PAP, pensions, Social Security Benefits or wages from another institution).
All payments will be made via cheque and eligible persons will receive a call from our Customer Service Unit to collect their cheque. One must present a valid ID to collect their cheque.
Payments are scheduled to begin on Friday 25th September 2020 in the amount of $1000.
As at 31st August 2020, a grand total of $20,344,755.59 was disbursed. For the month of April, 8275 persons were paid amounting to $7,982,206.49. For the month of May, 7,964 persons were paid amounting to $7,679,212.44 and for the month of June, 5,278 persons, were paid amounting to 5,033,475.36.
The COVID 19 Relief Fund has provided support to all eligible persons in amounts of up to $1000 per month from April – June 2020.
]]>BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 27, 2020 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, joined many citizens and residents to sign the Book of Condolence in honour of the late Richard Llewellyn Caines CSM, JP. The book is placed at Government Headquarters.
Mr. Caines served as Junior Minister of Finance in the People’s Action Movement (PAM) Administration. He passed away shortly after 11:00pm on Monday, July 27, 2020 at the age of 87 years old.
In honouring the memory and contribution of Mr. Caines, Prime Minister Harris wrote, “We mourn the loss of a great patriot, philanthropist, businessman and believer in our Team Unity movement. His legacy shall endure.”
The prime minister continued by extending condolences to Mr. Caines’ family, friends and to the nation at large, and added, “I pray he shall find rest eternally.”
The Book of Condolence was signed by other dignitaries including His Excellency the Governor General, Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton; Minister of Human Settlement et al., the Honourable Eugene Hamilton; Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, the Honourable Jonel Powell, and Ambassador H.E Constance Mitchum.
The late Richard Caines served as Chairman of the Social Security Board from 1980 to 1989, after which he was appointed Chairman of the St. Kitts Sugar Manufacturing Corporation (SSMC).
He was also a founding member of the People’s Action Movement.
During an investiture ceremony held at Government House on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, Mr. Caines was conferred the National Honours Award, Companion Star of Merit (CSM), for his contribution to the field of business in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Thanksgiving Service for the late Richard Caines will be held on Saturday, August 29 at 1:00pm at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium.
]]>