WITH DINNER AND AWARDS PRESENTATION

The Social Security Board brought a year of activities celebrating its Twentieth Anniversary to a close on Saturday December 28th with a Dinner and Awards Presentation at the new Flavours Restaurant on Back Street, South Hill.

The evening’s activities were chaired by Mr. Fabian M. Fahie, Chairman of the Board, and brought together the Minister for Social Security the Honourable Victor F. Banks, Members of the Social Security Board and the Staff of the Board, their guests and special awardees.

Colville Petty, OBE, (right) first Director of Social Security receiving award from Timothy Hodge

Mr. Banks delivered a brief address during which he commented on the changes which were taking place in and through the Social Security System, in particular the introduction of the coverage of self-employed persons in the New Year and the recent introduction of the non-contributory Age Pension. He commended those involved in the development and administration of the System from the 1980 piloting of legislation by former Chief Minister Mr. James Ronald Webster through to the present, where the Social Security System was one which is “well run and well managed”. “In fact”, Mr. Banks continued, “it is a model System for the rest of the region”.
Mr. Banks’ address was followed by the presentation of awards by Mrs. Patricia Adams, an Employee’s representative on the Board, assisted by Ms. Rosanna Browne, Research and Development Officer. Awards for twenty years of service were presented to Mr. Timothy Hodge, Director of Social Security, and Mrs. Yolanda Gumbs, Assistant Director, Policy and Implementation. Fifteen Year awardees were Ms. Lena Sasso, Mrs. Donna Gumbs, Mrs. Bertha Gumbs, Mr. Liston Adams and Mrs. Evelyn Bryan. Those awarded for ten years of service were Mrs. Jacqueline Reid, Mrs. Dorice Fleming, Ms. Brenda Hughes, Ms. Pauleta Gumbs, Mr. Elkin Richardson and Ms. Delphine Richardson, while five year awardees were Mrs. Maglan Richardson, Mrs. Elaine Carty, Ms. Vernette Richardson and Ms. Mavis Rogers.

The 2001 Employee of the Year, Ms. Pauleta Gumbs then presented the 2002 Employee of the Year Award to Mrs. Maglan Richardson, Assistant Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services, and gave excerpts from some of the nominations praising Mrs. Richardson’s commitment, helpfulness and spirit which made her the overwhelming choice of her co-workers. An award to the pioneer of the Social Security System, Mr. James Ronald Webster, had to be set to a later date as he had sent his apologies over not being able to attend.

Timothy Hodge (left) presents award to first Chairman Marcel Fahie

Following the dinner, Director of Social Security Mr. Timothy Hodge presented an address in which he reminisced about the early days of Social Security in Anguilla and the challenges faced then by the early members of the Board and staff, and the development and acceptance of the system over the years to the present where it is “actuarially sound, and financially strong, with over one hundred million dollars in assets.” He thanked those who had worked hard over the past years towards the development of social security, as well as their family members who had supported them, and called on the staff to exhibit professionalism as envisaged in the recently adopted Vision Statement of the Board. Mr. Hodge then made special presentations to Ms. Carmen Woods, the first Social Security Staff retiree, Mr. Colville Petty OBE, the first Director of Social Security, and Mr. Fabian M. Fahie, the first Chairman of the Board, whom he noted was serving as Chairman once again. Mr. Fahie in response spoke of the challenges which lay ahead, and referred to the Board’s Mission and Vision which all should strive to accomplish. The evening’s activities were brought to an end by a vote of thanks by staff member Ms. Denise Buchanan.

The Dinner and Awards Presentation was the final activity in a full calendar of events which included the hosting of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and CARICOM Heads of Social Security Meetings, public lectures, a stamp issue, sports and art competitions, singspirations and the hosting of the West Indies Masters Cricket Team.

Employee of the Year, Maglan Richardson and Board Member Patsy Adams (Photos Courtesy Lloyd Gumbs)

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