Legal Status

The Social Security Board is a statutory body created by the Social Security Act No. 13 of 1977 as a body corporate enjoying perpetual succession and having a common seal. It has the legal mandate to operate a Social Security Fund in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis as well as full legal personality to exercise all relevant rights and obligations under the laws of St. Kitts and Nevis; including the capacity to sue and to be sued in its own name.

Membership of the Board

Appointment of members to serve on the Board is the function of a Minister of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis who has responsibility to Cabinet and to Parliament for matters pertaining to Social Security in the Federation.

For administrative purposes, the Board is to be comprised of a membership of not less than six, but not more than twelve persons at any given point in time. Its composition must include two members representing employers and two members representing employees. By implication, the government can secure its representation by way of the other members appointed. Over time, Ministers have observed the de facto practice of appointing at least one member to represent the Nevis Island Government.

One of the members is appointed by the Minister to serve as Chairman of the Board. Another member is also appointed as Deputy Chairman. The appointment of each member is for a term of three years with each member being eligible for re-appointment at the discretion of the Minister.

Head Office

The Head Office of the Board (and center of operations of the Social Security Fund) is located in the Robert Llwewllyn Bradshaw Building on the Bay Road in Basseterre on the island of St. Kitts.

Branch Office

A Branch Office, located in the Ivor Stevens Building on Chapel Street in Charlestown on the island of Nevis, is the center of operations for the island of Nevis.

Terms of Reference

While the Government retains political, legislative and administrative oversight responsibility for the social security product, it is the collective and individual membership of the Board who are the legal trustees of the Fund.

In addition to the Minister’s role in appointing the membership of the Board, the law prescribes certain other special functions to be performed by the Minister relating to matters such as overseas investments.

Operations

Responsibility for the day to day operations of the Social Security Fund lies with a Director of Social Security who reports to the Board. The Director exercises supervision over other management and staff who are organized into various operational departments.