Minister Charles Jr. Advocates CARICOM to Strengthen Caribbean Social Security Amidst Challenges
Public Relations and Communication Unit,
1F North Street, Kingston
Friday, November 3, 2023
Minister Charles Jr. Advocates CARICOM to Strengthen Caribbean Social Security Amidst Challenges
Montego Bay, Jamaica – November 2, 2023 – In a proactive call to action, the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., has championed the need for strategic reforms within CARICOM social security institutions. Addressing leaders at the 31st meeting of CARICOM Heads of Social
Security Organizations, Minister Charles highlighted the critical role robust social protection systems play in fostering resilience across Caribbean nations.
During the landmark gathering at Montego Bay’s Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, the Minister emphasized the imperative for regional social security organizations to embrace financial reform. “Our collective future hinges on sustainable social security systems that can weather the storms of crises, as starkly demonstrated by the recent earthquake and the ongoing pandemic recovery,”
Minister Charles Jr. stated.
Echoing the sentiments of regional unity and the theme of resilience, the Minister lauded the 50-year legacy of CARICOM’s service to the community through initiatives like CSME and CASS. He credited Jamaica’s swift and efficient response to the COVID-19 crisis to a strong Social Protection Policy Framework and the strategic foresight of government reforms, which have se the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) on a path of substantial growth.
The Minister also recognized the instrumental support of regional and development partners over the past three decades, praising their role in capacity building and policy development, which has been crucial in implementing transformative programs and interventions.
The meetings of the CARICOM Heads of Social Security Organizations, which resumed post pandemic, serve as an essential platform for dialogue on social security and pension-related issues, identifying gaps, and enhancing the capabilities of the region’s institutions. Minister Charles took the opportunity to reaffirmed Jamaica’s steadfast commitment to regional collaboration, ensuring the Caribbean’s social security landscape remains strong and responsive to the needs of its people.
IMG_DCS 6455-Following the Official Opening Ceremony and Luncheon of the CARIOM Heads of Social Security Organizations 31st Meeting, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour & Social Security (C) engages Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano (1st R), Secretary General of the InterAmerican Conference on Social Security (CISS), Mr. Alvaro Velarco (R), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden (1st l) and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn in a light discussion which was held on November 1, 2023 at the Hilton Resort & Spa Hotel in St. James.
IMG_DSC6376-Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour & Social Security delivered the main address at the Official Opening Ceremony and Luncheon of the CARIOM Heads of Social Security Organizations 31st Meeting held on November 1, 2023 at the Hilton Resort & Spa Hotel in St. James.
IMG_DSC6432-From Left-Right-CARICOM Secretariat Communications Specialist, Mr. Salas Hamilton, Principal of the University of the West Indies Mona campus, Professor Densil Williams, Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden, CD, Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Mr. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General of the Inter-American Conference on Social Security (CISS), Mr. Alvaro Velarco, and Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mrs. Audrey Deer Williams shared camera lens following the Official Opening and Luncheon of the CARIOM Heads of Social Security Organizations 31st Meeting held on November 1, 2023 at the Hilton Resort & Spa Hotel in St. James.
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