Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5361/-1/130/
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Social Security: "We Can't Rest On Our Laurels," Says Chairman
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Chairman of Social Security in Anguilla, Dr. Aidan Harrigan, says that while stakeholders deservedly celebrate the achievements of the system over the past 25 years of its existence they cannot rest on their laurels “but should use the occasion to strategise for the future.”
Harrigan’s substantive post is Director of Economic Development in the Ministry of Finance. He also occasionally serves as Acting Deputy Governor.
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Dr. Aidan Harrigan
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He made the statement in a radio broadcast at the commencement of Social Security Week and made reference to similar words written in the Commemorative Magazine by Minister of Finance, Victor Banks. He quoted Banks as saying in part: “…While we must appreciate the journey to the present, we must never lose sight of the challenges in the road ahead.”
Dr. Harrigan said: “While Anguilla is currently enjoying an unprecedented period of economic growth, history has taught us [that] it only takes one hurricane or some unfortunate development in the wider world to reverse gains made. Economic progress too presents its challenges as in recent times Anguilla has witnessed a breakdown in the social order and values. Social Security is viewed to be one of those institutions charged with constructing and preserving the social infrastructure which binds societies together.”
He reported that in order to deliver on its mandate, the Anguilla Social Security Board had institutionalised a system of five-year Strategic Plans. The first such plan covered the period 2002-2006 and was titled “Strengthening Social Security.” He gave the following strategic priorities as those identified in the plan:
The need to develop and institutionalise strategic, operational and business plans; strengthen the “social” in Social Security by reviewing the products and services provided with a view to strengthening coverage;
Strengthen human resource management systems; review and revise the organisational structure; develop and implement an enhanced marketing and public relations and education strategy;
Strengthen the operational systems, especially the IT system, the IT platform and applications, the institution’s management and leadership culture, the “security” in Social Security and the financial management system.
Dr. Harrigan disclosed that notwithstanding global economic shocks and events, the overall performance during 2002 to 2006 was solid. As a result, the Anguilla Social Security System ended 2006 with reserves of EC$160.5 million.