Kingstown, St. Vincent, May 25, 2026 – St Vincent and the Grenadines is set to assume leadership of a major regional social protection body as Eastern Caribbean governments intensify efforts to strengthen support systems for vulnerable citizens.
Speaking at the opening of the 10th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee on Human and Social Development, Social Welfare Minister Shevern John said St Vincent and the Grenadines would take over the chairmanship of the OECS Social Protection Technical Advisory Committee.
The meeting, held under the theme “Advancing Social Protection in the OECS: Policy, Practice and Learning”, brought together regional officials and policymakers to discuss reforms aimed at improving social welfare systems across the Eastern Caribbean.
Minister John also announced that later this year St Vincent and the Grenadines would assume the chairmanship of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Council of Ministers on Human and Social Development, with the country expected to host ministerial delegates from across the OECS.
Describing the forum as an important step towards regional reform, the minister said the Technical Advisory Committee had been established to help diagnose social protection challenges and provide recommendations aimed at improving the lives of OECS citizens.
He said discussions over the two-day meeting would focus on identifying successful practices within member states that could be expanded across the sub-region.
“We are living in an era where we have grown as a people with a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be shared regionally to enhance the lives of others,” Minister John said.
The minister described the committee as a “catalyst for social protection reform”, saying its recommendations could help shape future regional social protection policies.
Social protection has become an increasingly urgent issue across the Caribbean in recent years as governments face growing economic pressures, natural disasters and rising demands on public welfare systems.
Regional policymakers have been working to modernise social support programmes, improve coordination between agencies and strengthen assistance for vulnerable households affected by economic shocks and climate-related events.
Minister John thanked St Kitts and Nevis for serving as outgoing chair of the committee over the past two years and welcomed delegates attending the meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines.