It brings together policy markers for the Regional Poverty and Social Impact Analysis (PSIA) consultative meeting that is being held under the theme “Social Implications of the Global Economic Crisis”. *Photo credit: www.devinfo.org

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – A two-day conference aimed at understanding the social implications of the global economic crisis on the sub-region began here on Monday.

It brings together policy markers for the Regional Poverty and Social Impact Analysis (PSIA) consultative meeting that is being held under the theme “Social Implications of the Global Economic Crisis”.

Hosted by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (LECS) the two-day event is designed to “increase understanding of the social consequences of the crisis on the region through a comparative analysis of how countries have been impacted and have responded so far”.

The organisers said that the meeting will discuss  “recommendations and a roadmap for 2010 and beyond to assist counterpart government ministries and agencies to formulate a strengthened multi-level response…”.

“The consultation will underline the importance of making better use of statistics and sound policy analysis to understand the poverty and social impact of development policy for better development results for the people of the Eastern Caribbean,” the organisers said in a statement.