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The Social Security Board (SSB) hosted a Media Mixer today at the Grand Resort and Residence, offering journalists and stakeholders a comprehensive update on the statutory board’s recent accomplishments and its roadmap for project development and execution. The event highlighted SSB’s continued push toward modernization, improved service delivery and stronger financial stability. One of the major topics discussed was the digitalization of the sickness benefit application, a change that has generated significant conversation online. With news of the new system circulating on social media, Belizeans have been voicing both support and concerns over the transition. SSB maintains that the shift to digital processing will reduce delays, streamline verification, and enhance efficiency for insured persons.
Jerome Palma, CEO, Social Security Board: “You will notice that we made the launch for the online sickness at the end of January thereabouts. And we did a soft launch for the same reason. We had to sensitize. We had to work with people. Internally, there may have been things that we had to address. So we did it in a pace that we thought was gradual, that met people where they were at. And the reception so far has been encouraging, where most people have begun utilizing it. We’ve had significant increase in portal sign-up and just access. So that has been a push in the right direction. It is a recognition that it is a gradual process. We can’t launch every feature at the same time. It’s just the dynamic part of it. And in fact, we’re dealing with 40 years of history, trying to make sure we get all of that right to transition from what was 40 years ago, a pen and paper system, to a more virtual electronic data space. So that’s a significant shift and we can’t rush it. We have to pace ourselves. And I think the reception has been good in allowing us and working with us as we pace ourselves together.”
Chief Executive Officer Jerome Palma outlined several of SSB’s recent achievements, emphasizing that digital transformation is central to SSB’s mission of improving accessibility and service for the public. As the cost of living continues to rise, another issue raised during today’s session was the possibility of increasing the death grant, which provides financial support to families covering funeral-related expenses. Many Belizeans have questioned whether the grant will be adjusted to reflect current economic realities.
Jerome Palma, CEO, Social Security Board: “For us, we have to be mindful that any increase in benefit may have a countering effect where they may need to be an adjustment and perhaps an increase in rate or restructuring of what we have. So it is not as straightforward as saying, “Okay, well, the usual cost is 2000. Let us make that adjustment there.” It may be to meet that now, what would be the relative adjustment we have to meet elsewhere. So our benefit is not just one side. There are several things that are benefit. I think as I highlighted, one accident may lead to claims on our accident and sickness, on our funeral grant for that benefit, as well as survivors pensions and so forth. So it is a bit more complex than simply increasing one line. For us, we have to go through that exercise. So that’s a key part of our strategic initiatives over the next few years to review the legislation, the adequacy of the benefit, and appreciate what adjustments we then have to make whether be on the contribution side, on the ceiling side, that we can actually do that will be palatable to the wider community, that people still have to pay into it to actually gain from it.”
CEO Palma addressed those concerns directly, explaining the considerations and ongoing assessments regarding the benefit. SSB also reported a positive outlook on its financial position, noting that the Board has recorded increases in overall liquidity. With this improved standing, the institution says it is well-positioned to pursue smart and secure investment opportunities.
English (US) ·