Youth Symposium

The Social Security Board is teaming up with the Department of Youth to stage an important one-day Symposium involving the youth of the Federation in which particular focus is being directed at students of the Federation’s High Schools. Several themes will be addressed in relation to the subject of Social Security.

On Thursday 27th October at the Ocean Terrace Inn, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor will declare the Symposium open in a short ceremony at 9 a.m. Following this, students selected from the High Schools in St. Kitts and Nevis will discuss a number of topics in a debating format, and later will be led by other youth individuals from the community in focused discussions on Social Security issues.

The event is being executed as part of the activities in keeping with Social Security’s strategic goal of raising public awareness about Social Security issues, and the Youth Department’s drive towards involving young people in the process of consultation in relation to topical issues of the day. The Department of Youth has indicated that its involvement represents a signal honour in being afforded the opportunity to engage young people in a meaningful activity

The principal topics that will be discussed are:
• In todays economic climate, there is no need for a compulsory insurance system such as Social Security
• Persons who generate their own income should not be required to make Social Security contributions
• It is the responsibility of each individual to provide for his/her own retirement
• If I have been gainfully employed and have not contributed to Social Security, I should not expect Assistance in my time of need

The Social Security Board commends the youth of the Federation for their involvement in the upcoming Symposium.