The Seventy-Fifth Assembly of the Organisation of Japanese Caribbean States (OECS) Authority was held just about on August 2, 2024, below the Chairmanship of Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia.
The Opening Ceremony featured remarks by the outgoing Chairman of the OECS Authority, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis; the incoming Chairman, Hon. Philip J. Pierre; and the Director Common of the OECS Fee, His Excellency Dr. Didacus Jules.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Pierre outlined the primary priorities that may drive his Chairmanship of the OECS Authority for the upcoming yr.
“Over the course of my Chairmanship, I intend to steer our efforts in direction of progressing these fundamental components of the Union which are but incomplete referring to hassle-free journey, motion of individuals, free circulation of products, enhanced competitiveness of our companies, and the free motion of capital. There is no such thing as a doubt that the revised treaty supposed for us to harness our human assets successfully in order that collectively we might confront the challenges of lack of pure assets.
In charting the best way ahead, we have to construct on the progress made within the improvement of our folks. We should put folks first to make sure their dignity, psychological, bodily and financial well-being.”
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis and outgoing Chairman of the OECS Authority, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew in his handle mirrored the shared dedication to sustainable improvement for the folks of the OECS area.
“The work of improvement is rarely finished. It’s a permanent dedication of each technology and all residents, particularly these entrusted with management. We’re proud members of the OECS united by a typical historical past and a dedication to a typical trigger. Collectively we’ve got solidified a sturdy basis for the long run and collectively we’re poised to construct up on this groundwork. In these difficult instances, I’m full of confidence that our joint endeavours will propel the OECS towards a future outlined by prosperity, innovation, and sustainability.”
In his remarks, Director Common Dr. Didacus Jules spoke to the a number of essential challenges that confront the OECS presently along with the susceptibility to local weather change and environmental instability dramatically demonstrated by the destruction of Hurricane Beryl.
“The drums of struggle reverberate even in our personal peaceable corners and its penalties are far-reaching – from disruption of worldwide commerce and provide chains to spiralling costs. The economies of our member states are closely depending on tourism, which, as we’ve got skilled, is extremely vulnerable to world shocks such because the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest pandemic has uncovered the fragility of our public well being methods. Whereas we’ve got made commendable strides in vaccination and healthcare supply, ongoing threats akin to non-communicable ailments (NCDs) and potential future pandemics necessitate a strengthened and extra resilient healthcare framework. The digital divide, exacerbated by the pandemic, has highlighted the necessity for equitable entry to know-how and schooling to make sure that nobody is left behind. The rise of gangs and the rise in violence in our societies additionally level to the failure of our schooling methods to domesticate constructive mentalities, socially caring attitudes, and the capability to study to stay collectively.”
In the primary, the assembly centered on, inter alia:
(a) Japanese Caribbean Supreme Courtroom (ECSC) Funds
(b) Japanese Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) Replace
(c) OECS Fee Operational Issues – OECS Work Programme and Funds (Triennium 2024/2027)
(d) Regional Integration Issues
(e) Meals and Agricultural Programs Transformation (FAST) Technique Replace
(f) Implementation of the OECS Growth Technique (ODS) Replace
(g) Sustainable Tourism Coverage (Replace)
(h) Japanese Caribbean Liaison Companies (ECLS) – Imaginative and prescient Paper, Past Farm Employees
(i) seventh Sitting of the OECS Meeting (Replace)
(j) Small Island Growing States (SIDS) 4 Convention (Replace)
a. Japanese Caribbean Supreme Courtroom (ECSC) Funds
Heads of Authorities obtained a presentation on the funds and operational issues pertinent to the Japanese Caribbean Supreme Courtroom by Chief Justice (Ag.), Hon. Mario Michel. The dialogue outlined the advantages of latest approaches for the continued features of the Courtroom. Plans for the implementation of a public consciousness marketing campaign had been additionally highlighted. The Appearing Chief Justice additionally expressed gratitude for the progress made in direction of accessing a brand new headquarters facilitated by the Authorities of Saint Lucia.
b. Japanese Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) Replace
The Director Common of the Japanese Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Anthony Whittier, supplied an replace on the progress in direction of restoring class one standing and urged member states to approve and publish the brand new laws that will carry us again in compliance for the restoration of that standing.
Appreciation was expressed to the Authorities of Antigua and Barbuda for offering a brand new headquarters for the establishment.
c. OECS Fee Operational Issues – OECS Work Programme and Funds (Triennium 2024/2027)
A brand new triennium work programme and funds for the OECS Fee for 2024 to 2027 was offered for the approval of the Authority. The report highlighted the work programme strategy within the context of the 5 strategic priorities developed to offer worth for Member States in coordination with Growth Companions. The 5 strategic priorities are to Speed up Regional Integration, Reinvent the Economic system, Worth the Setting, Construct Resilience and Advance Fairness and Inclusion.
d. Regional Integration Issues
OECS Heads of Authorities and their representatives obtained a number of updates concerning the institution of the OECS Customs Union and Free Circulation of Items, the Free Motion of Individuals Regime and Implementation of Related Legislative Framework and an replace on the Financial Affairs Council held just about on June 11, 2024. The Authority famous the progress made in direction of the complete implementation of the Free Motion of Individuals Regime.
e. Meals and Agricultural Programs Transformation (FAST) Technique Replace
The Authority obtained an replace on the 10-year technique following discussions on the eighth Council of Ministers for Agriculture held in Montserrat on seventeenth Might 2024. The presentation highlighted the Standing of the OECS Meals and Diet Safety Centre (FNSC), OECS Agriculture Desk Initiatives and Key FAST Technique Initiatives financed by the eleventh European Growth Fund (EDF) RIGHT Programme.
f. Implementation of the OECS Growth Technique (ODS) Replace
Heads of Authorities had been up to date on the Motion framework that was adopted on the third EAC assembly.
g. Sustainable Tourism Coverage Replace
The OECS Fee, with funding help from the World Financial institution Unleashing the Blue Economic system of the Caribbean (UBEC) undertaking, is at the moment engaged on updating the OECS Frequent Tourism Coverage,
h. Japanese Caribbean Liaison Companies (ECLS) – Imaginative and prescient Paper, Past Farm Employees
An replace on the present challenges and alternatives of the ECLS programme was offered to the Authority along with a proposed 3-year imaginative and prescient plan that will lead to a significant enhance in employment alternatives in new areas of labor. The chance to make use of the programme to additionally make sure the switch of know-how and mastering new abilities was emphasised.
i. seventh Sitting of the OECS Meeting Replace
Approval was given for the convening of the seventh Sitting of the OECS Meeting in September or October below the theme of regional integration. It’s supposed that the free circulation of products payments might be offered and debated at this sitting.
j. Small Island Growing States (SIDS) 4 Convention Replace
An summary on the end result of the SIDS 4 Convention held in Antigua and Barbuda in Might 2024 was offered to the Authority. The presentation highlighted the institution of the SIDS Centre of Excellence positioned in Antigua and Barbuda, together with the International Knowledge Hub, the Innovation and Expertise Mechanism, the Island Funding Discussion board, and the Debt Sustainability Assist Service Initiative. The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity was featured. The Authorities and folks of Antigua and Barbuda had been recommended on the seamless internet hosting and facilitation of the SIDS4 Convention.
Different issues mentioned on the assembly included:
- International Port Holdings Presentation – International Ports Holding is the world’s largest cruise port operator, managing 32 ports in 19 international locations throughout Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, North America, and North Africa and serving over 20 million passengers yearly. The Chairman Mr. Mehmet Kutman was invited to current to the assembly of the Heads, an replace on latest main worldwide developments and their investments within the Caribbean.
- The OECS Director Common, Dr. Didacus Jules up to date the Authority on the plans for the accession of Saint Martin which is now anticipated to be convened from 14 – sixteenth November 2024. The subsequent assembly of the OECS Authority is predicted to be held in Saint Martin throughout the accession.
ATTENDANCE
Heads of Authorities in Attendance:
- Hon. Philip J Pierre – Prime Minister of Saint Lucia & Chairman of the OECS Authority
- Hon. Gaston Browne – Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
- Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit – Prime Minister of Dominica
- Hon. Dickon Mitchell – Prime Minister of Grenada
- Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew – Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves – Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Hon Dr. Ellis Webster, Premier of Anguilla
Head of Authorities Absent (with apologies):
- Hon. Ary Chalus, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe
- Hon. Serge Letchimy – President, Government Council of the Territorial Authority of Martinique
- Hon. Natalio Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands
- Hon. Easton Farrell, Premier, Montserrat
Different Delegates:
- H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules – Director Common of the Organisation of Japanese Caribbean States
- Hon. Mario Michel – Chief Justice (Ag.) of the Japanese Caribbean Supreme Courtroom
- Mr. Anthony Whittier – Director Common, Japanese Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority
- Hon. Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Overseas Affairs of St Vincent & the Grenadines
- Hon. Alva Baptiste, Minister of Exterior Affairs, Worldwide Commerce, Civil Aviation & Diaspora Affairs, St. Lucia.
- Hon. Dr. Karl Dawson – Junior Minister, Agriculture and Fisheries, British Virgin Islands
- Commissioners of the Organisation of Japanese Caribbean States
- Mr. Jean Yves Lacascade – Commissioner and consultant of President Letchimy
