Nevis Island’s Social Security Building
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
February 23, 2009 (CUOPM)
The Directorate of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security has issued a stern warning to persons to persons who threaten its compliance officers.
A statement from the Directorate of Social Security said that several of its field officers engaged in compliance matters are being threatened with bodily harm as they execute the duties to which they have been assigned.
“Members of the public are reminded that these officers are protected by law as they visit work sites and business places of employers in pursuit of contributions on behalf of workers,” said the statement posted on the Board’s website.
It pointed out that Social Security Act No. 13 of 1977 section 35 states (at subsection 2):
“An Inspector shall for the purposes of the execution of this Act have power to do all or any of the following things (a) to enter at all reasonable times any premises or place liable to inspection under this section; (b) to make such examination and enquiry as may be necessary for ascertaining whether the provision of this act are being or have been complied with in any such premises or place; (c) to make enquires, either alone or in the presence of any other person as he thinks fit, with respect to any matter under this act on which he may reasonably require information, from every such person whom he finds in any such premises or place, or whom he has reasonable cause to believe to be or to have been an insured person to answer such enquiries; (d) to exercise such other powers as may be necessary for the administration of this Act.”
The Directorate of the Social Security Board advises employers, employees, self-employed persons and or their agents to cease and desist these intimidatory tactics including threats of bodily harm to officers and or their families.
The Board said it intends to prosecute such offenders to the fullest extent of the law.