Grenada launches review of social protection system to better support children and families

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, 12 May 2025 – In a significant step towards improving support for vulnerable children and families, UNICEF and the Government of Grenada, with support from the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, CARICOM and CARIFORUM through the European Union Caribbean Resilience Programme (EU-CA-RES) project, convened key stakeholders for a national consultation on the future of social protection in Grenada.

Held at the Radisson Hotel in St. George’s, the event marked the beginning of a comprehensive review of Grenada’s social protection legislation and a nationwide assessment of the current system. The goal is to build a framework that ensures no one, especially children, is left behind in times of crisis or need.

“This inception meeting marks the beginning of a journey,” said Honourable Gloria Thomas, Minister for Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs. “We need climate finance frameworks to treat social protection as a core pillar of adaptation and resilience… [and] international financial institutions to acknowledge the unique realities of Small Island Developing States like Grenada.”

She continued, “We must expand coverage to informal and seasonal workers… design programmes that can scale during crisis… reach every community, no matter how remote or rural… build systems based on accurate data, digital tools and fair, transparent service delivery. But more importantly, we must listen to our people.”

“Social policy must be people-centred. It is not merely a policy. It is a promise… that no one will be left behind… that every child, every parent, every elder, every person, regardless of income, gender or geography, has a right to be protected and supported.”

The consultation brought together a wide range of government leaders, civil society, development partners and technical experts, all working together to help shape a more inclusive and resilient social protection system.

“These two initiatives… are strategic building blocks in Grenada’s path toward a more resilient, inclusive, and child-sensitive social protection system,” said Ms. Maryam Abdu, UNICEF ECA Chief of Social Policy and Social Protection. “They provide the space to reflect: What are we doing well? Where must we do more? How can we better serve the families and children who need us most, especially during crisis?”

“At UNICEF, we are proud to walk this journey with the Government of Grenada. We believe, and global evidence affirms, that shock-responsive, inclusive social protection systems are among the most powerful investments any country can make… ensuring that, when disaster strikes, support reaches people quickly, fairly, and with dignity.”

The review and assessment will incorporate community perspectives, technical analysis and regional best practices. The findings will help shape future policies and programmes that better meet the needs of the population, particularly those most at risk.