The Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Social Protection Policy and Action Plan for the Virgin Islands has been finalised following a workshop with key stakeholders.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley addressed the stakeholders and emphasised that special attention should be paid to the relationship between mental health, climate change and social protection.

Honourable Wheatley said, “At COP28 2023 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) in the United Arab Emirates, they have a full day dedicated to health including mental health. So, as we go through the exercise, bear in mind climate change, mental health and social protection. Think of it as one package because each one phases into the other."

Consultation on the development of the National Social Protection Policy and Action Plan for the Territory began in 2021 with support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and lead consultant Dr. David Cownie of the Social Impact Assessment and Policy Analysis Corporation (SIAPAC).

SIAPAC produced a draft policy, action plan and monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework after extensive research which included document reviews and virtual consultations.

The policy and action plan are expected to serve as a key policy framework for new social protection legislation and supporting institutional arrangements. The National Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) for the Virgin Islands will be the coordinating body to ensure cohesive policy development and implementation of the social policy. 

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to the development and improvement of the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.