Santo Domingo–On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Mr. Rafael Toribio, President of the Consejo Económico y Social (CES) of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Mariano Eberlé, communications director of the Dominican CES, met with Mr. Harlec Doran, Chairman of the Social Economic Council (SER) of Sint Maarten, along with Secretary-General, Mr. Gerard Richardson, which marked another pivotal moment for SER Sint Maarten as the advisory body continues its advancement of regional cooperation.
The meeting, previously postponed due to the delayed appointment of the Board of SER Sint Maarten, focused on strengthening ties within international and regional networks. Key topics included the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) and the Network of Consejos Económicos y Sociales e Instituciones Similares de América Latina y el Caribe (CESISALC). President Toribio shared updates on forming the Ibero-American Network of CES, highlighting progress made in collaboration with the Secretaría General Ibero-Americana (SEGIB). Mr. Doran presented his vision for Sint Maarten’s prospective role within AICESIS and CESISALC. Although SER Sint Maarten is not yet a CESISALC member, its potential membership aligns with the network’s objectives of fostering social dialogue, sharing best practices, and advancing sustainable policies across the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation between SER Sint Maarten, CES of the Dominican Republic, and affiliated international bodies, emphasizing their shared dedication to fostering inclusive policy-making and regional collaboration.