Dear Editor,
I am forced to ask, when will Social Security get their act right?
Several weeks ago, as I was listening to a talk show on a particular radio station, a question was asked ” how much is Social Security paying for rent for the buildings that they are presently occupying, in order to carryout their operations?”
In response, a precise figure was not given. However, the hefty amount that I believe I heard of approximately $40,000.00 or more monthly, surely did not result from an auditory illusion, at that moment. I assume that the amount mentioned, covers the buildings on Long Street, at Friars Hill & at English Harbor where they are presently conducting their daily business.
Furthermore, it was also surprising to hear that Social Security is presently making a surplus, and thoughts are now on the table to invest in a hotel.
Hearing such pronouncement has left me baffled, hence I am forced to ask, does Social Security really have their priorities set right? When are they going to invest in their own building to make their make expenditures much lower?
Too many persons, young and old, are still complaining about receiving late payments for their maternity & sickness emoluments. Others are still complaining about the extremely long waits to start receiving their first pension payment.
The building on Long street that was once occupied by the staff has been left abandoned, and is now becoming an eye sore in St. John’s city. Is this not money wasting?
In addition, Social Security started a project at Paynters of selling lands to persons but the infrastructure of the area is yet to be completed. Such has created a setback for those patrons who are ready to get their personal affairs going.
Clearly, it seems to me that the motto that Social Security is displaying, ” Growing to provide for you ” is just a figure of speech used to brand the organization but in contrast, the service offered certainly does not give justice to the motto.
We are now in a new year. Therefore, let 2025 be the year where the nation and by extension, the world can see a brand new Social Security operating at its optimum.
Alex
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FACTS, FACTS, FACTS!!!! I could not have said it better
A True Patriot, why are you so anxious to expose your deliberate ignorance? Research the facts before coming to the public with incendiary comments. To use a topic as sensitive SocialSecurity, an ongoing concern in even the most developed countries in the world for imagined likes is most sad, knowing full well that the average Antiguan and Barbudab are like rabbits, swift to dive down any hole that raised public ire. Yet, i have not noted a single inteĺigible recommendation from you towards more efficiency and effectiveness. Are we forever doomed to listening to morons like this? Geez!
Social Security has not provided Audited Financial Statement for years now. The Director has very cleverly miss guided the Prime Minister who have swallow everything hook line and sinker. That lease amount of $40K is only for Royal Palm. They also rent London House on Longstreet. The Prime Minister looks at things in macro economic terms. I keep telling him that Social Security is wasting money big time. But he doesn’t listen. Therefore should be more transparency in how the people’s monies are being spend. These are Trust Monies. Employers cannot hold on to these monies as it was deducted from employees salaries. Therefore people have the right to know hiow every cent in spend at Social Security. Apart from lands at Paynters they have also been selling lands at Coolidge. This type of income is what make it looks as if they have a surplus. But remember you can only sell land once. Thereafter you must find another revenue stream. They have been liquidating many of their assets. And since the accounts are not presented, you cannot see if they are really making money on the liquidation of these assets. What I have come to understand is that lots of these assets are sold below market value or even book value. And alot of these sales are handled privately by a certain group of people who are given commission. Liquidation should have been in the hands of an independent liquidator. A Realtor. This is how corrupt acts takes place and everyone is casting a blind eye. Even the PM. There are no armslenght transactions in this. To many conflicts of interest. One day this all will come to light and we will see who will have egg on their face. But I have said my peace.
The question is whether or not the Board of Social Security is functioning independently from the current Minister of Finance. Is the Ministry of Finance dipping it all ten fingers in Social Security Cookie Jar? Government has thousands of Employees in the Public Service. Is the Ministry of Finance paying their monthly dues? How about all those Government Vehicles on the road. Is the Government paying a monthly/annual premium to Social Security? It is true that Social Security should have a palace in the heart of St. Johns. They need a Board that’s independent of the Government influence. A Board that can tell how much they’re owed by Government in Loans, and Premiums.
I agree with the concerns raised in this letter. It’s unacceptable that Social Security continues to fall short in providing timely and accurate services. There needs to be more accountability, and steps should be taken to streamline the process and improve customer experience.
As someone who’s experienced issues with Social Security firsthand, I can understand the frustration expressed in this letter. The system needs a serious overhaul to ensure that people aren’t left stranded waiting for benefits they’re entitled to. The system must work better for all.
@ Faithful national #1: I am sorry to say that when persons like you choose to criticize in that manner, our country will never move forward.
It is only when the situation lands at your door step then your mouth will open as loud as ever, which reminds me of the T. ALLEN syndrome at SLBMC.
Now, since you have done your research and know what is going on at Social Security, perhaps, you should make some worthwhile suggestions so that the hierarchy can get their act together.
As far as I am aware it is the law that the audited financial statements of all statutory bodies be tabled in Parliament annually. It is not only Social Security. National Parks Authority’ accounts have not be presented and examined in Parliament for many years. The same applies to all of them – CMC, Free Trade Zone, Port Authority etc. But blame must fall on the UPP and its leader Pringle who is Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
There is little that any ordinary citizen can do to get answers. And no sense complaining about service. Politicians of both ABLP and the UPP when they were in power, fill the civil service established and non established, Boards and Statutory Corporations with supporters who are not there to work, but to collect a salary and cannot be disciplined or fired due to the power of their X.