Minister of Health and Social Development Hon Carvin Malone (AL) has affirmed the Virgin Islands’ support for advancing of regional social development at the fourth ‘United Nations ECLAC Meeting of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Social Development’ in Latin America and the Caribbean, held on January 13, 2021. Photo: Facebook/File

The VI also congratulated Antigua and Barbuda on their selection as host of the next session of the Regional Conference to be held in the latter half of 2021. Photo: Internet Source

ECLAC is the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and Hon Malone in his capacity as a Vice-Chair of the Presiding Officers, joined other Ministers of Social Development from across Latin America and the Caribbean, to discuss progress on the implementation of the Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development and approval of a proposed work plan to guide the next steps of the regional body.

Expressing his support for the draft work plan Hon Malone said, “The draft plan of work of the regional agenda for inclusive social development is a clear roadmap for the region to follow as we take steps toward realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.”

He also highlighted the importance of the Caribbean’s inclusion in the process, “In terms of the Thematic Working Groups under which the work contained in the Draft Plan will be taken forward, the addition of the Working Group ‘Leaving no one behind in the Caribbean,’ is one that is important for the Caribbean region, given our unique social and historical challenges as Small Island Developing States,” Hon Malone said.

Hon Malone called on associates to fully participate 

Further, Hon Malone encouraged the Associate Member Countries of ECLAC to fully participate in the implementation of the Regional Agenda for Inclusive Social Development and thanked Mexico as Chair for leading the work of the Presiding of Officers of the Regional Conference throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic period.

The VI delegation to the meeting included the Minister of Health and Social Development, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms Tasha Bertie, Permanent Secretary in the  Premier’s Office Dr Carolyn O’Neal-Morton, Director of the International Affairs Secretariat Ms Najan Christopher, Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Ms Dwynel Davis, Programme Officer Ms Xyrah Wheatley and Special Envoy of the Premier Mr E. Benito Wheatley.

The VI also congratulated Antigua and Barbuda on their selection as host of the next session of the Regional Conference to be held in the latter half of 2021.