Dear Editor,

I can recall, one of our famous calypsonian once penned a song ….. “If the top slack, then the bottom will be slack also”.

Now that statement has come to mind, I am forced to ask, why is the management team of Social Security bringing the organization into disrepute?

Years ago, Social Security was held in high esteem. It was the hallmark of the statutory corporations here in Antigua. Now, it seems as though it has been relegated to the rubble.

Interestingly, a renowned government minister went on the airwaves and pellucidly echoed the sentiments that the hierarchy at Social Security are working for some large salaries but yet they are not producing the output that should justify their salaries.

That statement was left to be desired. Did that mean that Social Security is used as a cash cow? The evidence is there to see. The chickens are now coming home to roost.

Sadly, Social Security has been reoccuring too often in the news and simultaneously leaving an extremely bad taste in the mouths of the public.

There are 10 things of interest that i can allude to that has been brought into the public’s domain in reference to Social Security.

1. The payment of exuberant monthly rents for prime areas to host their day to day operations.

2 The disreguarding of their own building which was cleaned out at a high cost and now left to be an eye sore in the city of St. John’s.

3. The silence about the Social Security Investment into Jolly beach hotel

4. Pensionsers who have applied for their pensions after their 65th birthday are waiting for over year to get what is due to them

5. Maternity & sickness claims are also taking forever before anyone can receive their cash benefits.

6. Recently, the staff went on strike because of poor working environment conditions.

7. Staff also striked because of employees’ appraisals are not completed thus depriving staff of their monetary benefits.

8. Members of the Management team been accused of harrasing female staff

9. The Lands sold at Paynters cannot be used by clients because of no proper infrastructure in place

9. Areas of the website needs updating

10. The photo ad on the Registration building is looking deplorable from the elements of the weather

10. Company was sued and had to pay staff member $50,000.00 or more.

The question needs to be asked …. Are there square pegs in round holes at Social Security or is there no proper accountability for the management team.

An establishment that is over 50 years should not be faced with these embarrassing irregularities in 2026.

Alex