Dominica: Social Securities pays 60 million dollars annually as benefits

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit discussed the social securities of the country in his recent Anou Pale episode. He was joined by the Director of Social Securities Dominica, Mrs. Janice Jean-Jacques Thomas, and Mr. Augustus Etienne, Deputy Director.

Director of Social Securities Dominica, Mrs. Janice Jean-Jacques Thomas, stated that the system provides income support to insured people, and it operates on the fundamental principle of pooling resources.

Mr. Augustus Etienne, Deputy Director, stated that the National Provident System also works the same way where the workers get some amount deducted each month, and they receive it with added interest after maturity. He noted that Social Securities replaces the provident fund system. Deputy Director stated that when the Social Securities introduced in Dominica 45 years ago, it only provided coverage only to the contributors; however, over the years, several significant changes have been made to the program.

Mrs. Janice Jean-Jacques Thomas stated that one beneficiary of the program is a 103-year-old individual who has been receiving a pension since he was 60-year-old.

"We have two gentlemen over the age of 97; they are still receiving pensions since they were 60-year-old," added Director of Social Securities Dominica, Mrs. Janice Jean-Jacques Thomas.

She further added that the Social Securities of Dominica provides short term benefits, sickness benefits, employment benefits. Mrs. Janice stated that each year people receive the benefits of over 60 million dollars from Social Securities in Dominica.

"Most of the amount goes into pensions; over 90 percent of it goes into pensions," added Mrs. Janice Jean-Jacques Thomas.

She also added that the department is also looking forward to connecting with its contributors through technology to remind them when their payments are due.

Mr. Augustus Etienne, Deputy Director, stated that youngsters must make a contribution to the program as it provides extensive long term benefits to its contributors in several manners.