The Social Security Board is now under the watch of the Ministry of Health and social Development

This was confirmed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Petrona Davies, who said “there has been a reassignment of subjects” and that the board has returned to where it previously started.

The Social Security Board was established by an Act of the Legislative Council, No. 17 of 1979. It came into effect on July 2, 1980.

The Board is responsible for the management of the organization. The Act specifically charges the Director with the responsibility for the management of the Fund, in particular the collection of the contributions and the payment of benefits.

Meanwhile, Social Security is a compulsory insurance plan which employers, employees, self-employed and voluntary contributors contribute. Social Security is designed to protect insured persons from financial distress by providing partial income replacement when certain contingencies arise.

In another recent reassignment of subject under the Premier’s Office, the highest learning institution in the Virgin Islands – the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College – has now becomes the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter, when contacted by Virgin Islands News Online, had confirmed this and indicated that discussions were held between Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith and Governor Boyd McCleary and the decision was taken to have the statutory board of the college go under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

President of the HLSCC Dr. Karl Dawson had told Virgin Islands News Online that the move should allow for a more holistic examination of education in the Territory and bears potential for greater collaboration at all levels in the Education system.