Social Security is part of the portfolio of the Minister of Finance and Public Service, who appoints a Board of Directors to administer the program; directors representing employers and employees are named by respective organizations. The Board of Directors consists of:
Five members representing Government: a chairman and four other members appointed by the Minister in his discretion;
Two members representing employees (from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize); and
Two members representing employers (one from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and one from the Belize Business Bureau).
The Chief Executive Officer is an ex-officio member without a right to vote, and an officer of Social Security is the Secretary. The Board appoints one of its members to be Deputy Chairman. The initial term of office of the Chairman is for a period of five years, and three years in the case of all members. (Statutory Instrument No. 16 of 2003)
All funds are vested on the Board and it may exercise all powers, rights, authorities and functions conferred upon it by the Social Security Act. In accordance with Section 28 (2) of the Social Security Act, the Board has responsibility to the Minister for administration of the Act and shall consider and advise upon all matters, which may from time to time be referred to it by the Minister. Matters such as terms and conditions of service of employees, budgets and policy matters affecting the scheme are forwarded to the Ministry for ratification after due consideration and approval by the Board of Directors. In addition to the Board of Directors, the following entities are also linked to the operation of the Scheme:
1. Medical Board/Referee
2. Non-Contributory Pension Committee
3. Appeal Tribunal
4. Investment Committee
5. Audit Committee
6. External Auditor
7. Medical Consultant
8. Legal Consultant
9. Actuary
10. National Health Insurance Committee
The Medical Board or Medical Referee determines to what extent the injured person is disabled, if at all. They are appointed from among the Registered Medical Practitioners serving Belize.
A Medical Board or Referee also determines if a person is an invalid as per the definition of the SSB Act.
The Non-Contributory Pension (NCP) Program is part of the Government of Belize strategy to address and alleviate poverty in Belize. The NCP Program is administered under the Social Security Board long-term benefits branch. Decision of NCP claims are made by a committee consisting of Chairman, Canon Leroy Flowers, representing the Belize Council of Churches, Mr. Evan Dakers, representing the Ministry of Human Development and Mrs. Maria Elena Contreras representing the Social Security Board. The Program pays a monthly pension of $100.00 to qualifying women 65 years and older and men 67years and older.
The Appeal Tribunal consists of a Chairman appointed by the Minister for two years and a person chosen by the Board from two panels of persons representing employers and employees, respectively. The Minister may appoint more than one person to perform the functions of chairman. If an insured person and employer are aggrieved by a decision made by the Board on Benefits claims or any other question related to Registration and Contributions, the insured person has the right to Appeal to the Tribunal. The insured person is to Appeal within twenty-one (21) days, after he/she has been informed of the decision.
The Investment Committee advises the Board of Directors regarding the investment of money for the Fund, which is surplus to the current needs for payment of Administration, Benefits and Capital Requirements.
According to Section 47 (1) of the Social Security Act, the accounts of the Board shall be audited annually by a suitably qualified Auditor appointed by the Board.
By administrative decision, medical and legal consultants are appointed to give expert advice regarding matters relating to the Medical and Legal Professions, respectively.
The Social Security Board conducts an Actuarial Review every three years after which a report is published.
The National Health Insurance (NHI) Scheme was implemented to promote improvements within the health sector so that quality health care would be available in an efficient and effective way to all Belizeans. The NHI Committee serves as an advisory body to the Social Security Board.
Social Security Board General Managers
- Leonides Cuellar – June 1st 1981 to 1987
- Kenneth M.L. Dunn – 1987 – 1990
- Jorge Meliton Auil Sr. – 1990 – 1993
- Denton Belisle – 1993 – 1998
- Narda Garcia – January 4th 1999 – July 21st 2006
|
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
|
|
|
|
CHAIRMAN
Ms. Lois Michele Young
|
GOVERNMENT'S REPRESENTATIVE
Mr. Ariel Mitchell
|
|
|
|
|
GOVERNMENT'S REPRESENTATIVE
Mr. Paul Jones
|
GOVERNMENT'S REPRESENTATIVE
Ms. Natalie Goff
|
|
|
|
|
GOVERNMENT'S REPRESENTATIVE
Mr. Dennis Jones
|
EMPLOYEES' REPRESENTATIVE
Dylan Reneau
|
|
|
|
|
EMPLOYEES' REPRESENTATIVE
Elena Smith
|
EMPLOYERS' REPRESENTATIVE
Mark Lizarraga
|
|
|
PICTURE NOT AVAILABLE
|
EMPLOYERS' REPRESENTATIVE
Lourdes Smith |
SECRETARY
Irene Cruz
|
|
|
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Merlene Bailey Martinez |
|
|
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
|
|
|
|
|
CHAIRMAN
Nestor Vasquez
|
MEMBER
Norman Dueck
|
 |
 |
MEMBER
Lorelei Westby |
MEMBER
Emil Mena |
|
APPEAL TRIBUNAL COMMITTEE
|
|
|
CHAIRPERSONS
Jaseth Jackson
Aldo Salazar
Margaret Mckenzie
Naima Badillo
Tricia Pitts
Tania Moody
Antoinette Moore
Magali Marin Young
Jose Cardona
Ernest Staine
|
|
|
|
EMPLOYERS' REPRESENTATIVES
Peter Tonti
Lawrence MacLaren
Cynthia Awe
Olga Barber
Bernard Pickwood
Joan Avelar
Harrison Pilgrim
Lloyd Carillo
Erasmo Franklin
Ellison Flowers
|
|
|
EMPLOYEES' REPRESENTATIVES
Mervin Roca
George Frazer
Emily Martinez
Sheryl Cutkelvin
Rudolph Gentle
Lorelei Westby
Marciana Mckoy
Ian Ramirez
Aislynn Humes
Sean Nicholas
Therese Martinez
|
|
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE COMMITTEE (NHI)
|
|
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Dr. George Gough
|
|
|
MEMBERS Merlene Martinez - CEO, Social Security Board
Joseph Waight - Member, Government of Belize (GOB)
Louise Moore - Member, Organization of Insurance Companies (ORINCO)
Cynthia Villagran - Member, National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB)
Marvin Mora - Member, National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB)
Dr. Cardo Martinez - Member, Belize Business Bureau (BBB)
Rose Armstrong - Member, Belize Council of Churches (BCC)
Dr. Gregorio Garcia - Member, People's United Party (PUP)
Dr. Giovanni Solorzano - Member, Belize Medical & Dental Association (BMDA)
Dr. Peter Allen, Ministry of Health (MOH)
Dr. Michael Pitts - Member, Health Services (MOH)
Kay Menzies - Member, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI)
Ramon Figueroa - General Manager, National Health Insurance (SSB)
|
|
AUDIT COMMITTEE
|
CHAIRMAN
Natalie Goff |
|
MEMBER/SECRETARY
Denise Mahler |
CONSULTANTS
|
|
EXTERNAL AUDITOR
Castillo, Sanchez and Burrell
|
|
|
LEGAL CONSULTANT
Young's Law Firm
|
|
|
ACTUARIAL CONSULTANTS
Hernando Pérez Montás Consultares Actuariales, S.A.
|
MANAGEMENT
|
Executive Office
Merlene Martinez, Chief Executive Officer
Irene Cruz, Executive Secretary
Phyllis Moody, Executive Secretary
Denise Mahler, Manager, Internal Audit Services
John Robateau, Manager, Information Technology Services
|
|
Benefits & National Branch Operation Services
Anna Gonzalez, General Manager
Leonie Ferguson, Benefits Manager
Chandra Cansino, Employment Injury Manager
Ismelda Waite, Manager, Corozal and the Free Zone Sub Office
Floricely Rivero, Manager, Orange Walk
Thurnica Middleton, Manager, Belize
Margarita Cawich, Manager, San Pedro
Derrick Morgan, Manager, Belmopan
Olivia Dakers, Manager, Santa Elena, Spanish Lookout and Benque Viejo
Ana Guy, Manager, Dangriga
Yolanda Sabido, Manager, Independence and Plancencia Sub Office
Arnaldo Villas, Manager, Punta Gorda
|
|
Financial and Accounting Services
Leo Vasquez, General Manager
Nabi Nabet Reyes, Manager, Accounting Services
Carlton Mckoy, Senior Inspector, Compliance Services
|
|
Human Resources Management and Administration Services
Arlene Neal, Acting General Manager
Deborah Ruiz, Manager, Industrial Relations Services
|
|
Investment Services
Norberto Depaz, General Manager
Miguel Gongora, Manager
|
|
Legal Services
General Manager (Vacant)
Leonora Flowers, Manager
|
|
National Health Insurance
Dr.Ramon Figueroa,General Manager
Dra. Natalia Rodriguez, Manager, Quality Assurance
Ruth Jaramillo, Manager, Primary Care
|
|
Office of Strategic Management
Leticia Vega, General Manager
Marianela Vasquez Guerra, Manager, Customer Relations Services
Sean Sebastian, Manager, Research and Analysis Services
|
|
Registration & Contribution Records Services
Maria Elena, General Manager
|
List of Inspectors and Occupational Safety and Health Officers(OSH)
Corozal
Rudolph Wade
Emiliano Juchim
Errol Aranda (OSH Officer)
Orange Walk
Gabriel Patt
Clifford Usher Ivan Argalles
Rojer Acosta (OSH Officer)
Belize City
Lawrence Lopez
Vonnetta Williams
Tanya Coleman
Ramsey Diego
Desiree Daniels
Glennis Johnson
Ginel Martinez
Glenn Reneau
Charity Gordon (Osh Inspector)
San Pedro
Sharlette Dawson
Ruben Oliva
Fitzpatrick Castillo (OSH Officer)
Belmopan
Jose Arrango
Robert Banner
Fatima Morris
Santa Elena
Mr. Bert Avila
Mr. Nelson Pech
Mr. Elston Hyde
Amalia Briceno Arango (OSH Officer)
Dangriga
Mr. Marlon Fernandez
Mr. Herbert Nicasio
Judith Puc (OSH Officer)
Independence
Mr. Dorian Castillo
Mr. Alvaro Requena
Adrian Gonzalez (OSH Officer)
Punta Gorda
Mr. George Palma
Organizational Chart
