Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves has publicly endorsed the appointment of Ronette Lewis as the new Director of the National Insurance Services (NIS), effective July 1, 2026. Lewis, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at the Center for Enterprise Development, is stepping into the role amidst some public debate regarding her professional background.
Addressing online criticisms that Lewis is not an actuary unlike her predecessor, Stuart Haynes, Gonsalves agreed with NIS Board Chairman Steven Jochim that actuarial expertise is not a strict prerequisite for the top job. Gonsalves emphasized that while actuarial skills are helpful, the head of an institution managing $500 million in assets fundamentally requires a robust package of managerial and leadership skills, along with a deep appreciation for national insurance operations.
Gonsalves praised the rigorous and professional selection process that led to Lewis’s appointment. He highlighted that 54 individuals applied for the position, leading to a shortlist of 10 candidates. A professional consultant was brought in to oversee the assessments, CV reviews, and interviews before final recommendations were submitted to the NIS board and subsequently to the Cabinet for approval. Describing Lewis as a highly skilled Vincentian professional, Gonsalves expressed absolute confidence in her temperament and disposition to effectively manage the NIS.
The Opposition Leader used the opportunity to urge citizens not to adopt a “crab in the barrel” mentality that seeks to tear down advancing Vincentian professionals. Gonsalves contrasted his supportive stance with what he described as the historical “scorched earth” approach of the ruling New Democratic Party (NDP), accusing them of attempting to “metaphorically burn down” institutions of good governance and democracy when they were in opposition.
Gonsalves stated he would not cannibalize or pull down children of the “education revolution” who are advancing in their careers. Furthermore, he noted rumors that the NDP had initially wanted to “parachute a political person” lacking the requisite skills into the NIS directorship, warning that had they done so, his reaction to the appointment would have been drastically different.