ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is urging member countries to prioritize their legislative agenda to accelerate the implementation of social Inclusion and social protection in the sub-region.
A statement issued Monday by the St. Lucia-based OECS Commission said this is among recommendations emanating from the eighth OECS TAC meeting on Human and Social Development held in Antigua and Barbuda last week.
It was held under the theme: “Touching Lives through Data-Driven Development” using a hybrid virtual and in-person approach.
The Commission said that the one-day meeting discussed vital issues and challenges in human and social development at the technical level, focusing on improving coordination, strengthening capacity, access to data and information, and strengthening systems to implement responsive and resilient social inclusion and social protection mechanisms.
The TAC endorsed and re-committed to the implementation of the Social Inclusion Social Protection Action Plan, 2023-2030, which will set the foundation and serve as a key guiding document in the social sector for the OECS.
According to the Commission, the plan aims to provide a joint regional strategic action plan for addressing social protection issues, equal access to quality social services, and empowerment across the life cycle for the OECS region.
It emphasizes promoting and protecting human rights, non-discrimination, respect for diversity, equality of opportunity, solidarity, security, and participation of all people.
The meeting also agreed “to a holistic regional approach for data and information” to facilitate evidence-based decision-making to drive Social Inclusion and Social Protection at levels and strongly recommended a capacity building and sensitization program to enhance the understanding of Social Inclusion and Social Protection across all levels and sectors;
In addition, an agreement was reached to promote a multi-sectoral coordinated approach to better leverage Public Sector Resources to support Social Inclusion and Social Protection.
The OECS groups the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.
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