Members of the congregation attending the Bethel Methodist Church at South Hill have had an opportunity of being told first-hand about Social Security in Anguilla.
The event was a Sunday service, on 30th October, which opened Social Security Week under the theme: “Social Security: A True Commitment to Anguilla’s Sustainable Development”.
The Anguilla Social Security Board was represented by Acting Chief Minister and Minister of Social Development, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Russel Reid; Board members; the Director of Social Security, Mr. Timothy Hodge; and members of staff.
They were welcomed by Superintendent of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit, Reverend Dr. Wycherley Gumbs; and Ms. Navine Fleming, who read the notices.
Mr. Timothy Hodge told the church congregation that the Social Security Act was passed in the Anguilla House of Assembly on November 3, 1980. Social Security was introduced by Revolutionary Leader and former Chief Minister, Mr. Ronald Webster, as a means of providing a pension arrangement and benefits for Anguillians as part of the social development of Anguilla.
“We were here at Bethel Church for our 25th Anniversary and next year we will be celebrating our 35th Anniversary of the actual operation of our system,” the Director continued. “It has been a long and interesting road with several bumps, but we are very proud that we have built and developed a system of which all Anguillians can be proud. Our Minister and Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, who is overseas, has described social security as ‘the most important social and economic institution for the people of Anguilla.’ I think that is a very apt description as it truly has been.”
Mr. Hodge emphasised that “social security is a trusted provider of benefits to those persons who face uncertainties of life” but requires them to play their part in making their financial contributions to the system.”
