OECS heads commit to economic union

26.OCT.07

OECS Heads of Government have restated their commitment to the establishment of an Economic Union among the countries of the sub-region.

The Heads met in a special retreat on the Economic Union initiative on October 13th at the ECCB Headquarters in St. Kitts/Nevis. That meeting was also attended by members of the Economic Union Task Force – comprising high level officials appointed by each Head of Government, and representatives of the OECS Secretariat. {{more}}

The Heads agreed to the immediate launch of a campaign of public education and consultation, which they decided should include opposition political parties, national cabinets, parliaments and all sections of the public. The public dialogue will revolve around a draft OECS Economic Union Treaty which, along with a Layman’s Guide, will be printed and made available in all Member States. Also being made available will be a publication and TV documentary outlining “Achievements to Date” of the OECS integration movement, and a booklet of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

In addition to public education, plans were also made for technical work required for implementing the Economic Union, for example in relation to labour and man power flows to determine how OECS skills can be absorbed and jobs generated.

The special Economic Union retreat was chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, the current Chairman of the OECS Authority.

The OECS comprises Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.