Antigua and Barbuda Earmarked to Host OECS Council of Ministers for Human and Social Development in 2027
Proposed hosting would bring regional ministers together to advance social protection and practical support for vulnerable groups.
Antigua and Barbuda has been earmarked to host the OECS Council of Ministers for Human and Social Development in 2027, providing an opportunity to advance regional cooperation on social protection and support for vulnerable populations.
The proposed hosting follows the council’s tenth meeting, held in St Vincent and the Grenadines on October 7 and 8 under the theme “Advancing Social Protection in the OECS: Policy, Practice and Learning.”
Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Kiz Johnson, represented Antigua and Barbuda at the meeting, where she emphasised the need to translate policy commitments into effective services for the people of the region.
“It is time for action. We want robust systems that are responsive, effective and meet the needs of our people who need to benefit from such services,” Minister Johnson said.
The discussions focused on strengthening support for children, older persons, persons with disabilities, caregivers and other vulnerable groups. Ministers underscored the importance of ensuring that social services are accessible, understandable and available when needed.
Key priorities included closer coordination among education, health and social development ministries; investment in affordable childcare; support for caregivers; disability inclusion; children’s rights; and retirement protection for informal workers.
The council also examined the role of disaster risk financing in enabling timely assistance to vulnerable households following emergencies. Adequate funding for human and social development portfolios was highlighted as essential to addressing increasingly complex social challenges.
As the prospective host of the 2027 meeting, Antigua and Barbuda would provide a forum for ministers and senior officials to build on these discussions and advance practical approaches to strengthening social protection across the OECS. ENDS
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/10/12/antigua-and-barbuda-earmarked-to-host-oecs-council-of-ministers-for-human-and-social-development-in-2027. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Comments (1)
Apex Jones October 12, 2026, 5:48 PM
GOOD STUFF. Fast becoming the meeting capital of the Caribbean
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