BVI JOINS OECS SOCIAL PROTECTION TALKS: Minister, PS attend regional summit on vulnerable support

The Virgin Islands sent senior government representatives to a regional social protection meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this month, where ministers and officials from across the Eastern Caribbean discussed strategies for supporting vulnerable populations.

Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent O. Wheatley and Permanent Secretary Tasha K. Bertie attended the Tenth Meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers: Human and Social Development, held from October 7 to 8, 2026. The gathering brought together regional ministers, senior officials and development partners to examine how Member States can strengthen their social protection systems.

The discussions centred on disability inclusion, child protection, care systems and building resilience in vulnerable communities. Officials also reviewed progress on the OECS Social Inclusion and Social Protection Strategic Action Plan 2023-2030 and considered ways to improve coordination across the region.

Among the key items examined was the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026-2032, which aims to strengthen child protection systems and promote children's well-being across Member States. The Council also looked at approaches to disability inclusion, financing for care systems and adaptive social protection measures to help communities respond to economic and environmental challenges.

Wheatley told the meeting that social protection systems must respond to changing community needs. "Social protection is about ensuring that individuals and families, particularly those who are most vulnerable, have access to the support and opportunities they need," he said, adding that the Territory must continue strengthening its programmes and improving coordination.

Bertie noted that regional collaboration offers the Virgin Islands a chance to learn from other jurisdictions. "Many of the social challenges we face are shared across the region. By exchanging knowledge and examining what works in other jurisdictions, we can identify practical solutions that strengthen our policies and improve the delivery of services here in the Virgin Islands," she stated.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it remains committed to advancing policies and partnerships that protect vulnerable populations and improve social well-being across the Territory.