Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) will attend the 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Human and Social Development and the inaugural meeting of the Joint Council of Ministers: Health, Human and Social Development and Education in St Kitts and Nevis. Photo: GIS/File

The meetings will be held from September 10-11, 2024, under the theme 'Regional Development and Sustainability through Quality Education and Social Empowerment'. Photo: OECS

The Minister will be accompanied by Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Miss Tasha K. Bertie. The meetings will be held from September 10-11, 2024, under the theme “Regional Development and Sustainability through Quality Education and Social Empowerment”.

Honourable Wheatley will participate in a Caucus with Regional Ministers and other high-level meetings. The Health Minister has also been invited to co-chair the Joint Meeting of Human and Social Development and Education Ministers in his capacity as Chair of the 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Health.

The Health Minister said the areas of education, social development, and health are critical pillars of national development, especially in Small Island Developing States like those in the OECS region. As such, this Joint Council of Ministers will be essential, as some of the brightest minds in the region come together to discuss strategies on how to align and strengthen these sectors.

'We can effectively address the complex challenges'- Hon Wheatley

Honourable Wheatley stated in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on September 8, 2024, that, “In the Caribbean, especially the OECS region, the synergy between ministries and sectors is not just important; it’s essential for sustainable growth. Each sector, whether focused on health, education, or social development is critical in our society.”

The Minister for Health added, “When they work together, we can harness their collective strength, bridging gaps and building a foundation for resilience. Through these types of collaboration, we can effectively address the complex challenges our region faces and ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for our people.”

Objectives of OECS meetings

The 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Human and Social Development’s main objective is focusing on sharing innovative ideas in social empowerment through peer engagement to boost development at national and regional levels. It also aims to align strategies for social development, review the Social Inclusion and Social Protection Action Plan (2023–2030), and gain support from regional agencies for more adaptive social protection measures.

The Joint Council of Ministers: Health, Human & Social Development and Education will focus on aligning health, social development, and education strategies with key regional plans, including the OECS Education Strategy and the "Fort-de-France Declaration on Health."

The council will also be tackling regional challenges by sharing solutions among Member States and encouraging collaboration between ministries to create joint policies for sustainable development. Additionally, it seeks to harmonise systems across the region to improve access to quality education, social, and health services.

While Honourable Wheatley is away from the Territory, Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) will serve as the Minister for Health and Social Development.