Delegates from across the region gathered for the seminar, fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and discussion on key social security and social protection issues impacting the Caribbean and the wider Americas. Photo: SSB/Facebook

Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), shares remarks at the Opening of the ISSA Technical Seminar. Photo: SSB/Facebook

From left: Ms Tasha K. Bertie, Permanent Secretary; Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); Mr Mariano Brener, ISSA Regional Coordinator for the Americas; Ms Lorie A. Freeman; Mr Glenroy A. Forbes, Chairman; and Ms Maya M. Barry. Photo: SSB/Facebook

Social security and national insurance professionals from across the region, including representatives from Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, and the Virgin Islands, recently gathered in the Virgin Islands (VI) to examine shared challenges, explored innovative solutions and exchanged best practices aimed at expanding social protection coverage among self-employed and informally employed workers. Photo: SSB/Facebook

Regional and local delegates prepare for a dynamic exchange of ideas and best practices during the ISSA Technical Seminar on Extending Social Security Coverage to Self-Employed and Informally Employed Workers in the Caribbean. Comments No comments yet Be the first to comment. Photo: SSB/Facebook

The ISSA Technical Seminar, “Extending Social Security Coverage to Self-Employed and Informally Employed Workers in the Caribbean,” hosted by the Social Security Board (SSB), in collaboration with the International Social Security Association (ISSA), was held from July 13 to 15, 2026.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said: “The International Social Security Association represents social security institutions in more than 160 countries, and the fact that our Territory has been chosen to convene this conversation speaks to the standing our Social Security Board has earned within that international community.”

The Minister further emphasised the Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection and ensuring that social security systems evolve to meet the realities of today’s workforce, particularly self-employed workers who contribute significantly to national economies.

Focus of discussions

According to a press release from the Social Security Board (SSB), throughout the seminar, participating jurisdictions shared their experiences in extending coverage to traditionally underserved populations. Discussions focused on legislative reform, compliance measures, service modernisation, communication strategies and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Delegates also explored financing approaches, incentives, and administrative practices designed to improve participation in social security programmes.

Representing the Virgin Islands, Managing Director Ms Lorie A. Freeman delivered a presentation outlining the Territory’s experience in extending social security coverage. The presentation highlighted the Board’s framework for approximately 1,718 registered self-employed contributors, ongoing legislative reform initiatives, and benchmarking exercises undertaken against ISSA Guidelines and regional best practices.

Committment by SSB

As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening social protection in the Virgin Islands, the Social Security Board said it will continue advancing several initiatives aimed at improving coverage and service delivery. Among the immediate priorities are the continued development and implementation of the Board’s Enterprise Management System, enhanced stakeholder engagement efforts, and support for legislative reforms intended to improve accessibility and participation within the social security system.

SSB said the successful hosting of the seminar further strengthened the Virgin Islands’ profile within regional and international social security networks and reinforced the Territory’s reputation as an active contributor to discussions on social protection innovation and reform.