Greetings to one and all. That time of the year is fast approaching, when we celebrate Christmas and participate in the activities which form part of that celebration. It is safe to say that the activities for the observance of Social Security Week come at a time when they will not be in competition with our Christmas celebrations but serve as a warm up so to speak prior to what for many of us is the most fulfilling time of the year.
In democratic societies voluntary compliance with any directive or initiative is always the preferred course of action. Now there are always exceptions and I submit that Social Security in Anguilla is one such exception when it comes to voluntary compliance. There are times when the forest is much more important than the individual trees and the collective benefit to a nation as a whole outweighs individual circumstances.
This is the case with Social Security where it must be ensured that all who are capable and in a position to contribute to this scheme do so voluntarily and that the legislation is in place to protect the integrity of the scheme and its overall fairness in relation to those who are not voluntarily compliant.
Social Security in Anguilla is a compulsory insurance plan to which employers, employees and self employed persons contribute. It is designed to protect insured persons from financial distress by providing partial income replacement when insurable circumstances occur. This is no easy undertaking and all involved in the accomplishment of the goals of social security over a short period of time must be commended. The father of the nation Mr James Ronald Webster had a vision and to see that vision come to fruition must be very satisfying indeed.
The evolution of Social Security in Anguilla reminds us all of the need not only to try to excel but to continually review our performance and tweak it meet current and anticipated needs. This is exemplified by the fact that the Social Security Act was amended to expand coverage to the self employed and a result of requests made from that sector to become part of the scheme.
There will always be those who feel that it is an affront to their independence to be compelled by law to make social security contributions. To them I say that by participating in the scheme, you are helping not only to protect yourself but also your fellow citizens. After all, that has always been the Anguillian way.
I encourage everyone to continue to become familiar with the operation of Social Security in Anguilla. Your investigations will indicate to you that when it comes to sickness, maternity, invalidity, old age, funerals and survivorship, Social Security is on Board. It will also indicate to you that because some of our more senior citizens were not truly in a position to contribute to and benefit from the scheme, that there is also non-contributory old age pension.
We are living in changing times but the needs that are addressed by social security will always be there in whatever era we live in. Let us embrace the notion that Social Security is every body’s business. Thanks for listening and God bless Anguilla.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
