DSS – Celebrating 45 Years Of Social Partnership & Protection

Monday 1^st February 2021 will mark the 45^th Anniversary of the establishment of the Dominica Social Security (DSS) Fund.  Throughout its existence, the Institution has been resolute in the fulfillment of its mandate of providing Insured Persons and their dependents with Income Security in times of economic hardship—occasioned by events associated with the various contingencies prescribed under the Social Security Legislation.

As such, the Dominica Social Security has made, and continues to make, a significant contribution to the socio-economic well-being of Dominicans and the overall advancement of the country—both by means of  the Benefits being paid and through the investments it has undertaken across the country, over the years.  Indeed, as the largest mobilizer of domestic savings, the Institution has proven to be a strategic Social Partner in Dominica’s development thrust, from the standpoint of its management and investment of surplus funds.

Thus, in observance of the occasion, and in keeping with the Institution’s quest to bring Social Security closer to the people, a series of activities has been planned from Sunday 31^st January to Sunday 7^th February.  (For ease of reference, see copy of the Schedule of Activities attached).  These activities are aimed at heightening the public’s awareness of the role and purpose, achievements, and contributions of the Institution as well as the various benefits available to contributors, under the Programme.

Among the main activities is a Thanksgiving Church Service—to be held at the Bethesda Methodist Church, on Monday 1^st February, beginning at 10:00 a.m.; and the Presentation of Donations to Charitable Organizations—which is carded for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday 3^rd February at the DSS Board Room.   At the Thanksgiving Church Service, a cross-section of Stakeholders will gather to give thanks and praise to God for Social Security and the significant difference that it has made in the life of Dominicans.  Given the prevailing Covid-19 situation, all relevant protocols will be observed.

Also, during the Ceremony for the presentation of Donations, we shall see the official launching of two short Video Documentaries—one featuring some Pensioners/Beneficiaries relating their experience of the Programme and how it has impacted their lives and the other involving Social Security officers speaking to certain key aspects of the Institution’s operations.

The DSS is hopeful that, through these activities and its continuing drive to inform and educate the public, Dominicans will become more familiar with the concept of Social Security and so better appreciate the Programme and the role that we are all expected to play in ensuring its continued relevance and sustainability for the benefit of successive generations of Dominicans.

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