Antigua and Barbuda was among Caribbean countries that were represented at the just concluded World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025, held from September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The organizing committee was the International Social Security Association (ISSA). The Forum brought together more than 2,000 participants from over 136 countries under the theme “Shaping Social Security for a World in Transition.”
A 27-member delegation from the Caribbean was also in attendance.
The Caribbean delegation joined ministers, CEOs and leading social security experts from around the world, as well as representatives of the International Labour Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the World Bank. Discussions included demographic changes, labour market transformations and migration, climate risks, geopolitical uncertainties, strengthening resilience of social security systems and digital innovation. Among the key outcomes of WSSF 2025 was the launch of ISSA’s flagship report on global social security trends and new guidelines on social security administrative solutions for long-term care services.
Leading the Caribbean’s engagement was Director of the National Insurance Services (NIS) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Stewart Haynes, who, as a member of the ISSA Bureau representing the English-speaking Caribbean, has been at the forefront of the region’s efforts to have its voice heard on the sustainability of social security systems.
Among those represented in the delegation were ministers and senior executives from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks & Caicos Islands. The group spoke to several pressing issues, including expanding coverage for difficult-to-cover employers, formulating effective investment strategies for social security funds, and embracing digital transformation programmes, all vital steps in strengthening social security systems across the region.
Building on those contributions, Hon. Alfred Sayers from the Bahamas, Minister of Immigration and Social Security specifically highlighted reform measures and innovative initiatives to strengthen coverage, compliance, and long-term viability of the Bahamian social security system. This example helped to elevate the Caribbean’s global standing and underscored the region’s unwavering commitment to reform, innovation, and the long-term sustainability of our social security systems. Antigua and Barbuda’s Director, David Matthias, also presented on data sharing in the context of migration having the most active system making payment under CARICOM’s Reciprocal Agreement.
The Caribbean’s presence was further solidified through key appointments to leadership roles. For example, Mr. Haynes was reappointed to the ISSA Bureau for the 2026–2028 triennium, he was also named to the ISSA Finance Committee, a reflection of his recognised expertise in global social security governance and financial oversight. Another significant development was Lorie Freeman, Director of the Virgin Islands Social Security Board, who was appointed as a member of the Control Commission, which performs independent oversight of the financial affairs of the ISSA.
The strong presence and active participation of the Caribbean at WSSF 2025 mark a new chapter for social security in the Caribbean region. With a clear focus on reform, innovation, and sustainability, coupled with a commitment to global collaboration, the Caribbean is taking solid steps to build resilient and inclusive social security systems that truly serve the needs of our people for generations to come.
