National Social Protection Policy and Action Plan Ready

The National Social Protection Policy and Action Plan for the British Virgin Islands has been finalised, according to Health and Social Development Minister Vincent O. Wheatley.

A government statement said the “policy and action plan are expected to serve as a key policy framework for new social protection legislation and supporting institutional arrangements.”

The Minister told stakeholders that “special attention should be paid to the relationship between mental health, climate change and social protection.”

It will be the responsibility of the National Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) to “ensure cohesive policy development and implementation of the social policy.”

Consultation on the development of the document 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 statement added.

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, the statement concluded.