BASSETERRE ST. KITTS, 28TH SEPTEMBER 2023 — Today, Thursday September 28, payments of $1000 to 22,040 workers were deposited to accounts of persons covered by Social Security .
This falls under the Government’s recently announced RESET initiatives.
On Friday September 22, 2023, Social Security began the disbursements of $1000 to contributors to Social Security with payments to 5,240 pensioners.
According to a statement from Social Security, disbursements will continue until all eligible persons are paid.
The statement said the Workers Bonus will be paid to pensioners and workers who have made at least 26 contributions to the social security fund throughout their contribution history.
Only pensioners and insured persons who reside on St Kitts and Nevis will be paid. For workers who did not apply for the CBI Dividends, a link to upload proof of accurate local banking information will become available on Friday September 29, 2023.
The link will be available at www.socialsecurity.kn and will close on Sunday October 15, 2023.
]]>BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, April 14, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — Processing of severance payments continues apace and according to Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, the number of staff at the Department of Labour has been increased and another shift has been added to allow for more claims to be paid in a more efficient timeframe.
Prime Minister Harris, who was responding to a caller on the popular Leadership Matters Programme on ZIZ Television on Tuesday April 13, pointed out that it has taken quite a bit of time on account of the sheer volume of displaced persons, and also on account of the fact that several of the employers had not paid up, which made it problematic for the Department of Labour to do justice to the claims.
“We have so far spent over $25 million on severance payments and the Fund basically, we have said repeatedly, has been depleted,” said Dr Harris. “It means that the majority of those recourses are coming from the Federal Government coffers.”
The Government is concerned and he observed that he would have raised the issue on the Leadership Matters Programme before where he would have indicated that at the Cabinet level, a decision had been undertaken to increase the number of staff members working at the Department of Labour and to add another shift so that more claims can processed in a more efficient timeframe.
“So all those things are happening and should be happening and in due course persons will get their due,” said Dr Harris.
While apologising to the affected workers for the delay, Prime Minister Harris advised that the delay has not been only at the level of the Department of Labour but has also been due to the negligence in some part of a number of employers who had not done right for their employees.
He urged every employee to be going to the Social Security at regular intervals and get printout of the contributions and payments made as that would allow them to know well in advance whether or not their employer is paying their contributions, and the portion deducted from their (employees’) wages.
“When then the difficulties are only discovered at the point when you are severed, of course some time will be lost,” noted Dr Harris. “But you can be proactive about it.”
He informed that at the Cabinet level they have asked that at regular intervals the Social Security should make the printouts available to every employee, to not wait until there is the ultimate event such as the severance being triggered for persons to then find out that their employers had not been paying to Social Security.
The Honourable Prime Minister stated that the Government is on a policy of expediting of claims, which also includes some persons who had not been appropriately documented, meaning they were working while not holders of work permits stamp, or they have had difficulties in getting regularised because they do not have the requisite police records.
“There have been other cases where persons, although they had been working and although they had some payments made, they were in fact not properly documented and those issues had to be addressed at the level of National Security,” said the Honourable Prime Minister.
According to Prime Minister Harris, Commissioner of Police Mr Hilroy Brandy “has introduced a policy of leniency when that information comes to him so that the person can get their status rectified and that also helps with the processing. All these things are happening simultaneously.”
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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.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (April 06, 2021) – Hon. Eric Evelyn, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) is commending residents and visitors for hosting and participating in fun and wholesome activities on Nevis over the Easter holiday weekend.
“As the Minister of Social Development I want to say how pleased I am with the way things unfolded for the Easter weekend here on Nevis.
“I must say that I was extremely heartened with the way all of the activities went. I think they were all very family-oriented, you saw a lot of families coming together and having good, clean fun with no violence whatsoever.
“I really love what I saw in all of the events, the community togetherness; the community spirit was very much present,” he told the Department of Information on April 06, 2021.
He participated in many of the events held over the long weekend.
“Easter is something that is very special to us as Nevisians.
“On that Sunday as well I would have visited the Social Security sports at the F.I.T. Park. I would have also been to cricket at the Elquemedo T. Willett Park, and in the evening I would have visited the closing of the Jerry and Ursulla Fyfield Memorial Camp at New River,” he said.
On Easter Monday (April 05) Mr. Evelyn attended the Youth Beach Games hosted by the Department of Youth at Oualie Beach and also a fun day at the Hard Times play field put on by the Unified Community Group.
Hon. Evelyn took the opportunity to thank the hundreds of Kittitians who traveled to Nevis over the weekend.
“What I particularly liked also was that scores of persons from St. Kitts converged on Nevis for the Easter weekend and it shows that bond of friendship and family between these two islands. Those bonds are stronger than ever and it was very evident over the Easter weekend.
“I want to thank all the people who came over from St. Kitts. I know that you would have had a wonderful time. Let us continue to live in Unity; let us continue to live as one,” he said.
]]>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, March 4th, 2021 (ZIZ News) Minister of Social Security Hon. Eugene Hamilton has commended self-employed persons who continue to make contributions to the fund to ensure a safe financial future.
Minister Hamilton was at the time addressing the nation on the 43rd anniversary of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board on February 1.
“I commend also those self-employed persons who remained vigilant and diligent throughout the years, and who can now boast of a pension earned solely from self-employed contributions. The example of your deserving qualification for pensions should serve as an inspiration and motivation for others to do likewise, and to put themselves in a position to proudly extend their hands for their own just rewards.”
Minister Hamilton also used the opportunity to encourage self-employed persons to register and remain up to date with payments.
“On July 1st, 1996, Social Security extended its coverage to the self-employed: a sector that continues to grow despite the economic downturn. I take this opportunity to commend you who are self-employed and implore you to not only register but to remain compliant at all times. Your failure to do so could result in hardships later on in life.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the introduction of Self-Employed Coverage.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 19, 2021 (SKNIS): Minister with responsibility for Social Security, the Honourable Eugene Hamilton, laid the Financial Statements of St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board for the period ending December 31, 2019, before the Federal Parliament on Thursday, February 18, which showed that the institution continues to see positive growth.
“I should Mr. Speaker, point out to the listening public… that the assets of the Social Security Board have grown from one billion, six hundred and thirty-seven million, five hundred and forty-one thousand and fifty-nine dollars ($1,637,541,059) to one billion, six hundred and seventy-four million, one hundred and fifty-seven thousand, eight hundred and thirty-one dollars ($1,674,157,831). In other words, Mr. Speaker, Social Security continues to see positive growth and can boast of assets of 1.674 billion as we speak. That was audited,” said Minister Hamilton, as he encouraged the general public to be “prudent and vigilant”.
According to Minister Hamilton, the financial statements of St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board which comprise the statements of financial position as at December 31, 2019, and the income and expenditure account, statements of other comprehensive income, changes in reserve funds, and cash flows for the year, as well as a summary of significant accounting policies were all audited.
“In our [auditors] opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly in all material respects, the financial position of the Board as at 31 December 2019 and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS),” the minister noted.
He noted that there are “two things that impact upon the growth of Social Security, of the assets which secure the pensions” for every contributor. Minister Hamilton said that in 2018, the contributions by persons and institutions to Social Security were ninety-five million, six hundred and eighty-nine thousand and eighteen dollars ($95, 689, 018) and it has since grown to ninety-nine million, five hundred and ninety-eight thousand, five hundred and fifty-two dollars ($99, 598,552) in 2019.
The Social Security Minister updated the public on the long-term benefits paid out in 2018 including elderly grant refund, survivors’ pensions, invalidity pensions, age pension, and age grants.
“In 2018, we paid seventy-five million, seven hundred and sixty-four thousand, six hundred and seventy-seven dollars ($75, 764, 677) and in 2019 we paid out eighty-four million, five hundred and thirty thousand and fifty-nine dollars ($84, 530,059),” he said. “Overall payout in 2018 was 92.7 million, but in 2019 was 102.9 million.
Important to note is that benefits paid out exceeded the contribution income of the Social Security in 2019. Minister Hamilton said that in light of this, the institution was able to “curb administrative cost” which stood at 13.4 million in 2018. It was reduced to 12.2 million in 2019.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 4th, 2021 (ZIZ News) Minister of Social Security Hon. Eugene Hamilton has commended self-employed persons who continue to make contributions to the fund to ensure a safe financial future.
Minister Hamilton was at the time addressing the nation on the 43rd anniversary of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board on February 1.
“I commend also those self-employed persons who remained vigilant and diligent throughout the years, and who can now boast of a pension earned solely from self-employed contributions. The example of your deserving qualification for pensions should serve as an inspiration and motivation for others to do likewise, and to put themselves in a position to proudly extend their hands for their own just rewards.”
Minister Hamilton also used the opportunity to encourage self-employed persons to register and remain up to date with payments.
“On July 1st, 1996, Social Security extended its coverage to the self-employed: a sector that continues to grow despite the economic downturn. I take this opportunity to commend you who are self-employed and implore you to not only register but to remain compliant at all times. Your failure to do so could result in hardships later on in life.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the introduction of Self-Employed Coverage.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 01, 2021 (SKNIS): St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board is celebrating 43 years of service to the Federation’s population, today, Monday, February 01, 2021.
The occasion was marked by Minister responsible for Social Security, Honourable Eugene Hamilton, who delivered a national address on Monday (February 1, 2021) highlighting the past, present and future prospects of the insurance scheme.
He noted that the number of contributors in 1978, the first year of operation, stood at 12,119 persons with $3.3 million contributions collected. In 2019, those figures rose considerably with 30,437 contributors with $99.6 million in contributions collected for the period.
“You should all be well aware, that our Social Security Fund holds a reserve of $1.6 billion,” Minister Hamilton said in his address. “It remains a strong and resilient safety net for the thousands of workers who contribute to the fund weekly, and monthly, as the case may be, in preparation for timely response to their various contingencies, and very importantly, for the assurance of a secure source of income in their retirement years.”
In order to secure the future, the Board is considering the current structure of the programme and several reform measures.
“There is a common-sense obligation upon us, to look at the best model of benefits and contributions, the best model of investment and the best model of administration; to implement reformed models of contributing to the fund base and of providing benefits,” the minister stated.
Honourable Hamilton added that “The goal is to develop and implement the best model, one that will serve the people who benefit now and one that will serve those who will be relying on Social Security for future benefits.”
Wide-ranging consultations on reforms will be held with stakeholders including experts in the field and the general public.
Fellow citizens, and residents, as Minister of Social Security, I am honoured to greet you on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the St Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board, observed today Monday 1st February 2021.
It was Act No 13 of 1977, and all of its attendant and related Regulations, which provided the legal framework through which the policies and operations of the Board, give life to its mission, “to provide the best possible benefits to all eligible persons, guaranteed by sound financial management and efficient administration.
Since the 1st of February 1978, Social Security has remained true to its mission to serve all citizens and residents of our Federation, by providing its varied complement of benefits, as well as. through its far-reaching corporate social responsibility programs.
In 2020, Social Security played a vital role in sustaining the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis, during the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, with its rollout of the COVID-19 Relief initiative.
Over 8500 persons were provided with the COVID-19 fund grants, which served as stimulus payments in respect of the period, April to June 2020 in the first instance, and again in September 2020. This was a significant complement to the overall stimulus regime, orchestrated by our Team Unity government, as its initial early response, to the financial challenges facing so many of our people, when international and local commerce and industry, began to buckle, under the weight of the pandemic.
This support, (unmatched by any other institution), was instrumental in keeping our economy afloat and provided much-needed support to the insured populace.
To date, a total of $22 739 441.94 has been disbursed to registered insured employees and the self-employed.
This level of support is unprecedented, and I am advised, that it has been the only one of its kind across the region.
It underscores the importance of Social Security as a crucial social safety net and fundamental economic pillar of our society.
Indeed, it also bears out our mantra that Social Security touches lives ‘from the cradle to the grave.’
Despite the many challenges that we face as a country, as a region and globally, we are resolute nonetheless in our quest, to ensure that our Social Security Fund, which has been cited as being the strongest in the OECS, continues to stand firmly and reliably in the gap, as it assures guaranteed protection for our people, as well as being a source of economic resilience for our country, as a whole.
You should all be well aware, that our Social Security Fund holds a reserve of $1.6 billion dollars.
It remains a strong and resilient safety net for the thousands of workers who contribute to the fund weekly, and monthly, as the case may be, in preparation for timely responses to their various contingencies, and very importantly, for the assurance of a secure source of income in their retirement years.
As a mature fund now 43 years old and serving the entire nation through the provision of pecuniary payments for short term benefits such as sickness, maternity and funeral grant; the long-term branch comprising of age, invalidity and survivors pensions; and the employment injury branch; we are mindful that the time is now upon us, to effect those changes that will support the Fund’s long term viability.
There is a common-sense obligation upon us, to look at the best model of benefits and contributions, the best model of investment and the best model of administration; to implement reformed models of contributing to the fund base and of providing benefits.
Needless to say, this will entail continuing consultation with all stakeholders (as we have been doing over the past years)….with the various sectors among our people….with experts in the field, and of course with our hard-working practitioners.
The goal is to develop and implement the best model: ….one that will serve the people who benefit now and one that will serve those who will be relying on Social Security for future benefits.
As the year progresses, Social Security will ramp up its discussions on matters pertaining to reform.
The year 2021 is also the 25th anniversary of the introduction of Self-Employed Coverage. On July 1st, 1996, Social Security extended its coverage to the self-employed: a sector that continues to grow despite the economic downturn. I take this opportunity to commend you who are self-employed and implore you to not only register but to remain compliant at all times. Your failure to do so could result in hardships later on in life.
I commend also those self-employed persons who remained vigilant and diligent throughout the years, and who can now boast of a pension earned solely from self-employed contributions.
The example of your deserving qualification for pensions should serve as an inspiration and motivation for others to do likewise, and to put themselves in a position to proudly extend their hands for their own just rewards.
As we move towards the future, it is important to reflect on the past and to take account of a few key indicators of our progress.
Allow me to highlight the following:
The figures I have outlined magnify the scope of work of Social Security and represent support to the insured in times of need.
In short order, we will be publishing the 2018 and 2019 financial statements on the website of the Social Security Board.
This increased level of access and transparency will provide all with a first-hand look at the operations of Social Security over the past couple of years and into the future
As a socially responsible corporate citizen, Social Security continues to make its mark in Education, Housing, Healthcare and National Security.
This level of national investment has rewarded us bountifully and can be seen in the increased number of trained professionals, improvement in our housing stock, greater efficiencies in healthcare, and reduction in the level of crimes.
We are confident also, that this support has in fact trickled back into social security, as contributions from employers and the self-employed, and has added great value to our overall performance as an institution.
As we say goodbye to our 43rd year of operation
and embark upon our 44th, we applaud the work of the forefathers of Social Security, former Ministers, Boards, Directors, Staff and Contributors…and all presently serving in their various capacities…. all who have played and those who are continuing to play a role in securing Social Security.
In that regard, (by way of reflection) I make special mention of the late Messers Richard Llewellyn Caines (former Chairman of the Board)…..Douglas Washington Richardson (the last surviving member of the first Board of Directors in 1978) who transitioned to glory during the past year 2020. Their services are remembered along with the services of all others.
Throughout this anniversary observance, we welcome you to support the activities of the Board including
Corporate Worship
Sunday 31st January 2021, Antioch Baptist Church on St. Kitts (9.30 am)
Sunday 7th February 2021, Shiloh Baptist Church on Nevis, (9.00 am)
Employers Forum
Monday 15th February 2021
Panel Discussion – The Road Ahead: Social Security Reform
Wednesday 24th February (live ZIZ TV and NTV 8 PM
These activities are meant to provide the opportunity to give God thanks for his continued mercies and to engage the public in our ongoing consultative dialogue. I entreat the general public to pay keen attention to social security matters not only in St Kitts Nevis but around the region and the world.
Indeed, we can learn much from the experiences of others even as we share our own with them.
I speak of such institutions and entities as:
We, should all be aware, that these institutions and partners are well-positioned, to lend valuable support to our efforts at making our Social Security more meaningful and purposefully.
This has great significance, especially at this constantly evolving period in our development, when we, are at the cusp of implementing other very important social safety nets for the protection and enhancement of the lives of our people.
As we step into what can be considered to be a new chapter in the annals of our institution, we look forward to 43 more years of yeomen service to the people of this great nation. I wish us all an enjoyable and productive observance…. and I pray God’s continued blessings on Social Security and upon us all.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 04, 2021 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is moving to strengthen the relationship between the Department of Labour and St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board in order to streamline programmes to benefit workers.
Prime Minister and Minister, Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris, gave some insight into ways the government will be enhancing collaborative efforts in the coming weeks and months.
“We expect a report to Cabinet shortly regarding the feasibility of setting up an E-platform for the Labour Department and Social Security to interface with each other on severance payments and related matters, while observing and confirming with data privacy and data protection issues,” Dr Harris stated in his New Year’s Address on January 01, 2021.
The government is also preparing to implement actuarial recommendations on the Severance Fund, Long Service Gratuity and Unemployment Benefits.
This comes after an additional $7 million was pumped into the Severance Fund to facilitate payments in 2021.
Prime Minister Harris said that his administration remains committed to empowering workers across the twin-island Federation.
“… This demonstrates our love and concern for workers,” the prime minister said. “We will continue to protect our workers and ensure that their future is safe and secure. These are important labour values, which further demonstrate our commitment that our workers are protected at all times.”
Dr Harris added that additional measures to increase worker empowerment will be implemented.
“My government will extend duty-free concessions accorded to first time home builders to the Teachers’ Union, the Labour Union, and any of our Credit Unions and Banks, which will undertake to build new offices or to make significant renovation of existing offices, and engage in approved residential developments within the next twelve (12) months,” he indicated.
This, along with the duty-free concessions to first-time homeowners over the next 12 months, is expected to spur further construction activity in the country.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 31st, 2020 (ZIZ News) One hundred and forty persons were the recipients of care packages this month through the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board eleventh annual Christmas Cheer Project.
According to a statement, the project aims to deliver food items to some of the most socially vulnerable groups. In this instance, it catered to the recipients of Social Security’s Assistance Pensions and Invalidity Pensions.
It said “The Social Security Board is cognizant of the importance of providing much needed relief especially at a time as this and saw the immense value of this gesture especially in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
In recognizing the Board’s initiative, Premier of Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley shared his unwavering support for Social Security via his Facebook Page, posting “I love Social Security. They continue to give back to the Federation! May they never grow weary in doing good.”
The recipients of Social Security’s Assistance Pensions and Invalidity Pensions received care packages containing Milk, Oats, Vienna Sausages, Tuna, Sardines, Macaroni & Cheese, Crackers, Rice, and Toiletries.
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Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2020 (SKNIS): The government is considering draft legislation from the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board that proposes the establishment of an Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Minister of Labour, the Honourable Wendy Phipps, commended the Board for its efforts in this regard particularly during this time when the employment status of many persons are impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“Had we had that before COVID it might have eased our burden quite a bit,” Minister Phipps stated, on Thursday (December 17) during the Budget Debate. She noted that the government spent $120 million in stimulus support to help lessen the devastating economic impact of the pandemic on St. Kitts and Nevis.
“In 2021, it (the Unemployment Insurance Fund) is a matter that will be pursued by the ministry and the (national) tripartite committee so that persons who would have lost their jobs and would have been out of work for 90 days would be eligible to claim from the fund,” the minister indicated.
She added that the claimant must actively demonstrate that he/she is seeking employment as “it is not intended for you to remain on it for the rest of your life.”
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 11, 2020 (SKNIS): Authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis have maintained an extended strategy to promote healthier lifestyles that include organizing activities to encourage physical activity, eating healthy foods, and reducing stress levels.
The strategy is designed to reduce the incidences of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes (high blood sugar) and hypertension (high blood pressure) among the population. As a consequence of this strategy and other factors such as improvements in healthcare, residents are living longer.
The formula, however, leads to an outcome which has caught the attention of St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board.
“We have an ageing population. We have far more people getting to pensionable age and fewer people coming into the workforce, and in order for us to pay pension today we depend on workers today to pay,” said Kamilah Lawrence, the organization’s public relations manager. The comment was made on this week’s (December 09, 2020) edition of the radio and television programme Working for You.
Additionally, because persons are in better health at older ages such as 60 to 65 years, they are often unwilling to retire.
“They look as fabulous as you and I, and that’s why you hear them say well [I’m not] ready to go home yet out of the workforce because they still feel productive,” Ms. Lawrence stated.
The issue is not unique to St. Kitts and Nevis as many countries around the world have an ageing population and declining workforce.
To address this, many countries have turned to recruiting migrant workers, encouraging family growth through tax incentives, and increasing the age of retirement.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 10, 2020 (SKNIS): In St. Kitts and Nevis, parents staying home to nurse a sick child back to health are often granted compassionate leave by doctors. This allows them to miss time from work under the authority of a medical professional.
The practice may be common in the twin-island Federation, but it comes at a cost. On the first hand, paid compassionate leave is not recognized in the public sector. Secondly, the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board does not pay benefits for compassionate leave.
“At Social Security, those things are not yet ready based on our legislation,” said Kamilah Lawrence, Public Relations Manager at The St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board. “Socially, there should be something else in place and we see that other companies are coming onboard.”
Ms. Lawrence made the statement on the December 09, 2020, of the radio and television programme Working for You. She noted that any decision on extension of benefits will require wide-ranging discussions and consultations.
“As we go into reforms some of those conversations will be had but it also means that we are going to be expected to offer more as individuals to support the new benefits that we want to see from Social Security,” Ms. Lawrence added.
She indicated that a cultural shift will be required in order for some of the new benefits such as compassionate leave and paternity leave to be introduced.
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