| History | |
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Throughout history, the problem of economic support of the masses
in times of need has confronted all societies. In fact,
where there is no legislation to provide basic protection for persons
who are unable to work because of old age, sickness or disability,
their economic security is threatened.
Cognizant of the above, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda passed the National Provident Fund Act in 1970, but it was never implemented. Instead, the new Administration proceeded to make plans to introduce a comprehensive Social Security Scheme, and technical assistance was received from the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Development Programme. It is interesting to note that some of the other schemes in the Caribbean had started with National Provident Fund Programmes, which later evolved into full-fledged Social Security programmes. The passing of the Social Security Act on July 11, 1972, and subsequent launching of the Social Security Scheme on April 2, 1973, made the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Scheme the fifth functional Social Security Scheme in the English-speaking Caribbean. At that time the Scheme fell under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Labour, but was later changed to the Ministry of Finance and Social Security. |
The Scheme was created primarily to provide benefits to insured persons and their beneficiaries when there is a loss or reduction of earnings as a result of sickness, pregnancy, invalidity, retirement and death. The introduction of the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Scheme can be regarded as one of the most significant developments in this society in modern times. The growth of its benefits and the expansion of its coverage have changed the face of the social and economic conditions that existed in Antigua and Barbuda before the inception of the Scheme, through an improved standard of living. |