XVI Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors – The Hon. Tinée S. Furbert JP, MP attended the XVI Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean that was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from Oct 30 th -Nov 1 st , 2024 . The theme for the forum was “Resilience in Action: Social Policies to Navigate Uncertainty in Latin America and the Caribbean”, with a focus on bolstering resilience and human development . Minister Furbert was asked to be a panelist at the session s entitled “Adaptive Social Protection Systems to Build Resilience”. Minister Furbert spoke to how Bermuda and the Caribbean family must continue to evolve its social protection systems to be adaptive, inclusive, and resilient meeting the needs of those most at risk to ensure that no one is left behind. She explained that social protection includes the range of policies and programs that protect people from poverty and insecurity and how in Bermuda, the social safety nets have included financial assistance, unemployment benefits to healthcare support for seniors. Minister Furbert also shared that an adaptive social protection system is not just a safety net; it is a foundation for a more resilient and equitable society. It ensures that when times are tough—whether due to economic downturns, natural disasters, or public health crises—the most vulnerable citizens are not left behind.