OECS to Strengthen Collaboration Among Members

Over the years, the regional integration mantra has been gaining momentum – and now, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have launched a project aimed at strengthening the ties of regional integration.

According to sources, the OECS is set to accelerate the integration process among member territories. The project entitled Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) is being funded by the European Union (EU).

The project is sub-divided into two categories; firstly, it involves the promotion of climate resilient community enterprise development in OECS member states, and secondly, improving the implementation of the OECS Economic Union.

Director of Economic Affairs and Regional Integration at the OECS, Jacqueline Emmanuel-Flood says that component will also involve collaboration among OECS institutions.

“This component focuses on strengthening integration mechanisms, enhancing ICT infrastructure systems and fostering OECS collaboration with multi-national institutions,” she noted.

The OECS official said the process will include “streamlining administrative processes, harnessing the power of technology and forging strategic partnerships (so that) we can effectively dismantle barriers to trade, investment and the movement of people, thereby propelling our region towards a more unified and prosperous future.”

Critical areas in focus, will include strengthening the borders, freedom of movement, and providing short-term social security benefits.

Among major issues of interest to OECS nationals, is the free movement of people, considered an inherent right in the OECS treaty and is being re-examined under the RIGHT project.

Senior Legislative Drafter in the Legal Unit at the OECS Commission, Samantha Charles spoke about the merits of the project.

“So, what do we mean when we say Contingent Rights? We categorise it into two broad categories – general rights and social rights,” she explained.

Charles said, general rights would include the right to enter, live in, work in and leave and re-enter the host country. Social right includes the right to equal treatment, in terms of, employment, right to access to social security, social protection healthcare and education “on the same basis, as citizens of the host country”.

“These rights are designed to ensure that OECS citizens and their family members receive equal treatment …as the citizens of the host protocol-member state,” she added.

OECS officials strongly advocate that accelerating regional integration is the number one strategic developmental goal for the OECS for the next three years.