NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (May 22, 2018) — A Toyota Hiace Bus and an electrocardiograph machine(EKG or ECG machine) were presented to the Ministry of Health in Nevis as a gift from the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board at a handing over ceremony at the Social Security building at Pinney’s Estate on Friday, May 18, 2018.

Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, Junior Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), in response expressed gratitude to the Board for the gesture.

“I would like to place on record, our profound thanks to this very important institution who continues to give, continues to deliver to help healthcare and education to continue to maintain its social contract with the people of Nevis,” she said.

The Health Minister also spoke of the Board’s continued commitment to the people of Nevis, noting that over the past 13 years the Ministry of Health has received $100,000 annually from the Board. She underscored the importance of a healthy nation.

“If we are to maintain good health in our nation, then our people will be able to live healthy lives, and they’ll be in a better position to give back to society…We have to applaud the efforts of Social Security for maintaining that connection and that contract with us, with health and healthcare in Nevis,” she said.

Mrs. Hazel Brandy-Williams used the opportunity to urge those who would be utilizing the equipment and the vehicle to take care of them.

“I’m imploring our healthcare officials to take care of the bus, use it for what it is initially given for and take care of the EKG machine,” she said.

Mr. Vernel Powell, Assistant Director of the Social Security Board, explained what the Social Security Board’s social contract to the Federation meant and its importance.

“I am here this morning to uphold the social contract we have with the people of our Federation. In its simplest form, it stipulates that when you contribute to Social Security, you become entitled to a multiplicity of benefits.

“Your contribution towards the Social Security system allows us to extend our social promise and it is beyond doubt, we have ensured that our social tentacles have touched every area of human existence. We boldly pronounce our impact and involvement on the human family from the womb to the tomb,” he said.

Mr. Powell added that over the years the Board has focused on the areas of education and healthcare because they are of the view that the survival of the Social Security and the growth of the Federation hinged on a healthy and educated people.

The Board of Social Security contributes $100,000 annually in addition to other medical equipment.

Also in attendance at the handing over ceremony were Mrs. Nicole Slack-Liburd, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health; Dr. Judy Nisbett, Medical Officer of Health; Mrs. Shelisa Martin-Clarke and Mr. Timothy Caines and Mrs. Jacqueline Brooks-Jeffers, members of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board.