Leaders discuss way forward for OECS

After two days of lengthy discussions, the 53rd Meeting of the OECS Authority was suspended last Friday evening, May 20, until June 28.{{more}}

The meeting, which was held at the National Insurance Services (NIS) building, was the first meeting of the Authority since the coming into effect of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre.

The session provided Heads of Government of the OECS member states an opportunity to look at the operationalization of the Treaty, its governance structure and a number of other matters relating to the new structure in respect of the Economic Union.

The Heads also spent time in caucus addressing the issue of overseas missions, where they received an update on a review that have been undertaken to determine the economic value, significance and benefits of the OECS joint missions in the United Kingdom, Ottawa, and other parts of the hemisphere.

At a press conference following the suspension of the 53rd meeting late Friday evening, Prime Minister Stephenson King of St. Lucia said that the Heads discussed how in the initial period of the operationalization of the Economic Union, they can ensure that the governance structures lead to effective administration and functioning of the organization.

King disclosed that the Heads of the OECS also dealt with matters pertaining to the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), as well as the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

He said that Friday’s preliminary session primarily focused on issues pertaining to the OECS Economic Union, where the Heads were able to receive an update on the financing of the Union’s work programme. The Heads also received the implementation plan for the free movement of people and goods in the Economic Union and the status of ratification and enactment of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre.

The preliminary session also addressed the maritime boundaries delimitation issues as well as the issues concerning the outreach initiatives to Eastern Caribbean/Caribbean countries to strengthen the Union.

A report was also presented by Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves, head of matters pertaining to insurance and banking, on the British American Insurance (BAICO) and CLICO issues.

At the end of the meeting, the Heads concluded with an agreement that the Ministers of Agriculture and Tourism were to meet soon to formulate work programmes to move forward.(HN)