Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 22, 2026 (PMO) — Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has outlined a forward-looking vision for leveraging digital technology to enhance transparency, accountability, and compliance within the Social Security system, as part of broader efforts to secure its long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the Social Security Reform Conference on April 21, the Prime Minister identified technological innovation as a critical tool in addressing longstanding challenges related to contribution compliance and accountability. He noted that empowering contributors with direct access to their information can significantly strengthen oversight and ensure that employers meet their obligations.
“We must strengthen compliance so that all employers and contributors meet their obligations, and to that extent, I’ve asked Social Security to use technology and give every contributor an account,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr. Drew explained that providing contributors with digital access to their Social Security accounts would allow individuals to monitor contributions in real time, similar to modern banking systems. This, he noted, would not only improve transparency but also enable workers to quickly identify discrepancies and hold employers accountable.
“When you go to the bank, you have an account. Your account can be on your phone… can you imagine having your social security on your phone? You can check to see if your boss… really put your money on Social Security,” he stated.
The Prime Minister highlighted that non-compliance and underreporting of contributions have historically posed risks to the integrity of the system, with some workers discovering gaps in their contributions only at critical moments. By introducing digital monitoring tools, he said, the system can shift toward greater transparency and shared responsibility.
“The best surveillance you can have is that people do the surveillance themselves,” Dr. Drew added, pointing to the role of technology in empowering citizens and strengthening institutional accountability.
The Prime Minister emphasized that improved compliance will directly contribute to the financial health and sustainability of the Social Security Fund, ensuring that it can continue to meet its obligations to pensioners and beneficiaries well into the future.
As part of the broader reform agenda, Dr. Drew reiterated that the government remains committed to modernizing key systems through innovation, while ensuring that reforms are grounded in fairness, transparency, and the protection of all contributors. He noted that embracing digital transformation is not only necessary, but essential in building a more resilient and trusted Social Security system for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
