Gonsalves backs Ronette Lewis appointment as new NIS director

By Val Matthias. Updated 4:55 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Opposition Leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves has defended the appointment of Ronette Lewis as the next Director of the National Insurance Services (NIS), saying both the selection process and the outcome appear to have been sound.

Speaking on his Good Morning Comrade programme on Star FM, Dr Gonsalves described Mrs Lewis, who is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Enterprise Development (CED), as “a person of merit and worth” and “a good professional”.

Mrs Lewis is due to assume the role on 1 July 2026.

Addressing criticism surrounding the appointment, Dr Gonsalves said he agreed with comments made by NIS Board Chairman Stephen Joachim that the head of the institution does not necessarily have to be an actuary.

He noted that while actuarial expertise could be beneficial, leadership, management and administrative skills were also important qualities for leading an organisation the size of the NIS.

The former prime minister said he was familiar with Mrs Lewis’ professional record and believed she possessed the skills, temperament and disposition required to manage the institution.

“I happen to know the quality of this lady,” he said, adding that he was not speaking from a political standpoint but from his assessment of her professional capabilities.

Dr Gonsalves also cautioned against what he described as a tendency to immediately criticise appointments, arguing that capable Vincentians should not be unfairly undermined.

He said he had not reviewed the applications of the other candidates and could not comment on their suitability but maintained that he supported both the process outlined by the NIS chairman and the decision to appoint Mrs Lewis.

The Opposition Leader said the National Insurance Services remained a critical institution holding workers’ contributions and stressed the importance of ensuring that leadership appointments were based on competence and the best interests of the organisation.

END

About the Author

This article was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com.