The Esmond St. John Payne Annex is Officially Opened

E St John Payne AnnexE St John Payne Annex

Social Security Board, Basseterre, Sept 27, 2012 — The St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board held its official ceremony to herald the opening of the recently completed edifice, henceforth to be known as the E. St. John Payne Annex; which adjoins the Robert L. Bradshaw Building in Basseterre. The ceremony was listed on the official program to mark the 29th Anniversary of Independence of the Federation of St, Christopher and Nevis. It was carried live via television and the internet.

The event took place on Tuesday 18th September starting at just after 4: 30 p.m. It was attended by many specially invited guests including The Governor General of St. Kitts and Nevis His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian and Mrs. Pearl Payne who is the widow of His Excellency Mr. Esmond St. John Payne.

The new annex is located on the corner of Liverpool Row and College Street. It is situated immediately backing the Robert L. Bradshaw Building which houses the head office of Social Security in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Rev. Canon Isaiah Phillip invoked God’s blessing on the proceedings to start the afternoon’s formalities. This was followed by an instrumental rendition of the National Anthem by Social Security staff member Mr. Aleks Condell playing the saxophone.

The Welcoming Remarks were delivered by the Director of Social Security Mrs. Sephlin Lawrence. She was followed by a dance presentation by a group called Leap Dancers; choreographically portraying a representation of the theme ‘From the Cradle to the Grave”.

Mrs. Payne cutting ribbon

The Chairman of the Board Mr. Halva Hendrickson provided an overview of developments in the life of Social Security and a synopsis of the project. It was then the turn of the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas who delivered brief remarks on behalf of the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Security Hon. Terrence Sam Condor gave the Feature Address. He chronicled many developments and highlights in the life of the Institution and rationalized the decision to name the building in honour of the first Minister of Social Security His Excellency E. St. John Payne.

A short video documentary narrated by Mr. Elvin Bailey was then presented on video screens drawing attention to the vision which led to the historic opening of the new annex. This was compiled as a special edition of Social Security’s weekly television program dubbed Social Security and You.

Social Security’s Chief Financial Officer Ms. Marilyn Johnson gave a comprehensive vote of thanks which ushered in the closing sequence of the event. She was followed by the return of Canon Phillip to centre stage to bless the new edifice by the sprinkling of water and special prayers.

The culmination of the ceremony was the official unveiling of the sign and cutting of the ribbon by Mrs. Pearl Payne. A photo session followed and the final rite unfolded in the form of light refreshments, with a special guided tour for a reserved party which included senior government officials.

The new annex is expected to offer commercial and office rental spaces to enable the Social Security Board to reap benefits under its investment portfolio. However, a limited number of existing services of the Head Office will be relocated in the new annex.