A motion moved by Senior legislator Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) to halt the Government’s plans to have Mrs Jeanette Scatliffe-Boynes appointed as the Acting SSB Director for another six months, has failed in the House of Assembly. Photo: YouTube

The debates on the amendment to the substantive motion for the appointment of Social Security Director, Jeanette Scatliffe-Boynes to act in the position for 6 more months is expected to continue when the House of Assembly (HoA) returns from recess this morning Thursday, September 2, 2021. Photo: HoA/File

Senior Legislator and Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser RA on August 26, 2021, moved a motion opposing the Government’s plans to have Mrs Jeanette Scatliffe-Boynes appointed as the Acting SSB Director for another six months, citing her experience as a factor. Photo: VINO/File

The motion failed after going to vote with seven No’s, three Yes and three persons absent, despite an emotional closing plea from Hon Fraser to have the motion passed by legislators.

Following the failure of the motion, the house returned to the substantive motion for the appointment of Scatliffe-Boynes to act in the Director position for 6 more months based on the recommendation of the SSB Board.

The HoA sitting continue and can be watched live on CBN Radio 90.9 FM, CBN-Television Channel 101 on Flow TV and can also be followed on the HoA YoutTube channel and online at www.cbnvirginislands.com.

See previous article published September 2, 2021

HoA resumes with debates on permanent appointment of SSB Director - Hon Julian Fraser wants Jeanette Scatliffe-Boynes in permanent role rather than to act for 6 more months

The debates on the amendment to the substantive motion for the appointment of Social Security Director, Jeanette Scatliffe-Boynes to act in the position for 6 more months is expected to continue when the House of Assembly (HoA) returns from recess this morning Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 10:00 am.

During the last August, 2021, sitting, Senior Legislator and Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser, RA moved a motion opposing the Government’s plans to have Mrs Jeanette Scatliffe-Boynes appointed as the Acting SSB Director for another six months, citing her experience as a factor.

Permanent appointment needed - Hon Fraser 

The senior legislator argued that after serving at the SSB for over 30 years and having vast experience, Mrs Scatliffe-Boynes should not have to act in the capacity of Director of the SSB for another six months and that the HoA should confirm the appointment.

Ms Scatliffe-Boynes was first appointed on January 1, 2021, and according to Hon Fraser, any appointment to extend her role at the helm of the SSB should now be permanent.

Meanwhile, Government legislators including Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone have accused Hon Fraser and the opposition of trying to confuse what the appointment is about, to push their own agenda.

“It's about being divisive, it’s about cheap political shots!” Hon Malone said during the August 26, 2021, sitting of the House while indicated he supports the permanent appointment, however, the correct process must be followed.

Procedure must be followed - Hon Malone 

The Health Minister illustrated that this process for naming a permanent SSB Director is integral ahead of a decision to permanently appoint one, even if the HoA can make such an appointment.

He said before referring the matter of the appointment of a Director to Cabinet, the subject Minister must first consult with the Board of Social Security and also have the matter brought to the HoA.

After the debates, today’s HoA is also expected to move to a vote on the motion brought by Hon Fraser; however, if the motion fails, the House will return to the original motion brought by the Government to have Mrs Scatliffe-Boynes act in the capacity for another 6 months.