Tortola, Virgin Islands – The Social Security Board (SSB), in collaboration with the International Social Security Association (ISSA), successfully hosted the ISSA Technical Seminar, “Extending Social Security Coverage to Self-Employed and Informally Employed Workers in the Caribbean,” from 13 to 15 July 2026 in Tortola.
The seminar brought together social security and national insurance professionals from across the region, including representatives from Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, and the Virgin Islands. Over three days, delegates examined shared challenges, explored innovative solutions and exchanged best practices aimed at expanding social protection coverage among self-employed and informally employed workers.
From left to right: Ms. Tasha Bertie; Hon. Vincent Wheatley, Mr. Mariano Brener (ISSA); Ms. Lorie Freeman, Director of SSB; Mr. Glenroy Forbes, Chairman of the Board; and Ms. Maya Barry
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley said: “The International Social Security Association represents social security institutions in more than 160 countries, and the fact that our Territory has been chosen to convene this conversation speaks to the standing our Social Security Board has earned within that international community.”
The Minister further emphasized the Government’s commitment to strengthening social protection and ensuring that social security systems evolve to meet the realities of today’s workforce, particularly self-employed workers who contribute significantly to national economies.
Hon. Vincent Wheatley speaking at the opening of the ISSA Technical Seminar, July 2026
Throughout the seminar, participating jurisdictions shared their experiences in extending coverage to traditionally underserved populations. Discussions focused on legislative reform, compliance measures, service modernization, communication strategies and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Delegates also explored financing approaches, incentives and administrative practices designed to improve participation in social security programmes.
Representing the Virgin Islands, Managing Director Ms. Lorie Freeman delivered a presentation outlining the Territory’s experience in extending social security coverage. The presentation highlighted the Board’s framework for approximately 1,718 registered self-employed contributors, ongoing legislative reform initiatives and benchmarking exercises undertaken against ISSA Guidelines and regional best practices.
As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening social protection in the Virgin Islands, the Social Security Board will continue advancing several initiatives aimed at improving coverage and service delivery. Among the immediate priorities are the continued development and implementation of the Board’s Enterprise Management System, enhanced stakeholder engagement efforts and support for legislative reforms intended to improve accessibility and participation within the social security system.
The successful hosting of the seminar further strengthened the Virgin Islands’ profile within regional and international social security networks and reinforced the Territory’s reputation as an active contributor to discussions on social protection innovation and reform.
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