In enhancing the customer service experience, the Social Security Board (SSB) of the Virgin Islands relocated its Virgin Gorda sub-office to its new home at The Village Rose Mall, South Valley.
During last Monday’s reopening ceremony, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, MHA, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration said, “Social Security is one of the BVI’s success stories, and I can see it is going from strength to strength.”
The minister thanked SSB Director, Ms. Antoinette Skelton and team for their work in opening the new location and acknowledged the staff for the quality of service extended to the Virgin Gorda community for 24 years, since the sub-office’s establishment in 1996.
Ms. Skelton told the small gathering about the origins of SSB. She explained that the late Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal was concerned that there was no retirement system in BVI and became “the driving force” in the establishment of SSB. She also said SSB is “the Government’s greatest success story”, highlighting that SSB will make $20-million in just pension payments this year.
The director also said that SSB will consider expanding the services in the Virgin Gorda office very soon.
Pastor Gleason Brooks of the Church of God Holiness, Valley blessed the office space. SSB Board Members Ms. Lyra George and Mr. Derrick Marshall; Deputy Director with responsibility for National Health Insurance, Mr. Roy Barry; Deputy Director of Social Security, Mrs. Jeanette Scatliffe Boynes; and SSB Human Resources Manager, Mrs. Deborah Leslie also attended Monday’s brief ceremony.
The Social Security Board continues to legally contribute to the community to maintain a level of social protection for all residents of the British Virgin Islands.