Regional Structures

Focal Point for the English-speaking Caribbean Countries

Regional Structures

Focal Point for the English-speaking Caribbean Countries

The ISSA Focal Point for the English-speaking Caribbean Countries fosters regional social security cooperation and networking, and supports the ISSA by promoting the Association’s products and services, organizing events, and facilitating the exchange of good practices among social security institutions in the region.

The Focal Point is key for sharing knowledge and establishing technical cooperation between Caribbean countries where English is an official language. It coordinates a programme of activities designed to satisfy the specific needs and priorities of the social security organizations of these countries.

Social security is relatively young in the countries of the region, and the main challenges for social security development currently relate to the formalization of work, the need to extend social security coverage, responses to growing long-term care needs and the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT). The relatively small population size of most countries in the region, as well as growing concerns about the impact of climate change, requires innovative approaches to the investment of social security funds, the provision of social security and health care services and crisis preparedness.

Their shared history, common language, proximity and in most cases geographical similarities create a unique opportunity to network, share experiences and establish bonds of community and solidarity. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries also have a multilateral social security agreement, which applies to invalidity, survivors and old age pensions. This agreement is key in facilitating the free movement of labour within the CARICOM Single Market.