A Salute To Social Security

Anyone who has followed the modern history of Anguila and the acceleration of the island’s progress since the 1967 revolution would admit that this Caribbean gem and its people have come a great distance. One of the achievements that has impacted the social growth of Anguilla over the past 25 years has been the introduction and sustained development of the Social Security system.

This in itself has been a revolution of an important aspect of the island’s social life, providing a range of benefits and pension money which hitherto were non-existent on such a scale of magnitude. The only traditional arrangement in place in the early days, and hardly worth mentioning, was a limited provision of “poor relief” for a handful of needy persons with all its attendant stigmas, inefficiencies and meagerness.

It was only natural and requisite that Ronald Webster, the revolutionary political leader at the time, should further ensure the future of Anguillians by taking the bold step to revolutionalise this area of social life of the people of the island. We must thank him for his vision. Claims that the Social Security system, introduced by legislation in 1980, would not work because of high levels of unemployment and therefore low contributions to the fund, were damning to the cause but it laboured on and survived.

The eventual rapid growth of the economy, increased employment, earnings and the careful and wise stewardship and management of the system over the years, have made Social Security the fastest-growing public sector business in Anguilla. Today, as the statutory body prepares to observe the 25th Anniversary of the enactment of the enabling legislation, with a week of activities from October 30-November 5, it has amassed some 130 million dollars in contributions. It has sensibly and successfully widened its coverage, made various substantial payouts in benefits and grants, has good investments at home and abroad and, through its development fund, has financed a variety of projects including sporting facilities to promote social, cultural and economic progress on the island.

The vision of Ronald Webster was faithfully carried forward by a number of former and presently serving public servants and other persons in the community particularly in the formative years of the Social Security system. It is largely to their credit, hard work and dedication that the system has survived and has become a success story in Anguilla.

Much is also owed to the present Director, Timothy Hodge. At a relatively young age, but with a sense of maturity, purpose and commitment, he took over the reins of Social Security and has taken it further ahead by leaps and bounds; and through his involvement in top level conferences and other events he has proudly established Anguilla’s name abroad on the regional and international scenes.

In his efforts he has had and continues to have the assistance of a well-trained and knowledgeable staff and a Board of Directors whose members, though occasionally changed, have been strong pillars of support to the management and staff in directing the affairs of the organisation. It is also commendable that the political directorate has allowed the Social Security Board and the operation of the system to carry on without interference, notwithstanding the fact that the Minister of Finance has responsibility for Social Security.

Anguilla must be proud that it has such a good and expanded Social Security system, ranking among the best anywhere. It is truly a success story and we salute its creation and development, its founder and all those who were involved in its administration in the past and those who are continuing to serve in whatever capacity.