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INTERVIEW
The ISSA Focal Point for the English-speaking Caribbean Countries was launched
in March 2021. This is the 18th regional structure in the ISSA community.
The Focal Point is headed by Stewart Haynes, Director of the National Insurance
Services in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the ISSA asked him a few
questions about this new role.
NEW FOCAL POINT IN
THE CARIBBEAN
Why is it important for the region to have What would you say are the key similarities
a focal point? and differences in terms of social security
systems within the region?
Our regional social security systems are experiencing
many-sided challenges regarding the administration Some key similarities of our systems are that they operate
and sustainability of the systems. We recognize this in small and open economies that are vulnerable to
partnership with ISSA as an indispensable tool to fortify external shocks including natural disasters, and we face
governance, administration, and institutional capabilities significant challenges to provide social protection for
to better identify and respond to these challenges. self-employed and informal sector workers. The key
differences of our systems surround the administrative
What motivated the National Insurance and governance practices.
Services in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
to host the Focal Point for the English- What will be the key activities of the Focal
speaking Caribbean Countries? Point in the coming year?
As a Bureau member of ISSA, representing In addition to representation and
the English-speaking Caribbean social presentations at next meeting of the
security systems, I have first-hand heads of regional social security systems
knowledge and experience of the to be facilitated by CARICOM Secretariat,
significant benefits of the Focal Point. there will also be workshops and webinars
As such, I was energized to position our on key areas and a needs-assessment
regional social systems to improve access across individual social security systems,
to the practical knowledge, extensive which would inform the work programme
network, activities, products, and services and activities for the region.
offered.
Stewart Haynes, Head of Focal Point
ISSA ANNUAL REVIEW 2020/21 27
