Scatliffe-Boynes to start as SSB’s permanent director next month

Jeanette Scatliffe Boynes has officially been appointed as the Director of the Social Security Board (SSB) after serving as Acting Director since January of this year.

Her substantive appointment to the post takes effect beginning January 1, 2022.

The motion for her appointment was tabled by Labour Minister, Vincent Wheatley during a meeting of the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

The motion was seconded by the Minister of Social Development Carvin Malone. In seconding the motion, Malone offered congratulatory remarks to Scatliffe-Boynes and wished her the best in bringing the SSB into the future.

“This is timely. This is what the people of the Virgin Islands deserved in terms of a person who is committed to the cause of the country and has done extensive work in the country as it regards social security. Mrs Jeanette Scatliffe-Boynes is the best person suited for the job at this time,” Malone stated.

Deputy Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley also offered congratulations to Scatliffe-Boynes on her appointment. He said he has full confidence in her ability to lead the Social Security Board as she is a hard worker with great experience and people skills.

Meanwhile, Premier Andrew Fahie said Scatliffe-Boynes appointment is indicative of the Virgin Islands government mandate to see more Virgin Islanders in official places that can transform the country.

“It shows that we continue to improve on the skills of our people and get our people ready for whatever opportunities that come. It is good to see another Virgin Islander and yes, a female takes up this role. A very important role for an institution that has done us well from its inception. I wish her well and that she continues to grow that institution from strength to strength into a new paradigm of success,” Fahie added.

The Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Shereen Flax-Charles also noted she was proud to see another capable woman leading one of the most important institutions in the territory.

In August of this year, Opposition legislator Julian Fraser had moved for the House to appoint Scatliffe-Boynes as permanent director of the SSB.

He had mentioned she had over 30 years of experience serving as the SSB’s Deputy Director. Fraser also questioned whether her gender had something to do with her not getting the permanent post back in August. At the time, Fraser’s motion received support from all Opposition members but was swiftly defeated by the government who said they must follow the recommendation of the SSB’s board of directors which had only pushed for Scatliffe-Boynes to act in the post for another six-month period.

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