In a spirit of reverence, gratitude, reflection and regional unity, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission successfully hosted a heartfelt Thanksgiving Service on June 11, 2025, as part of its 44th Anniversary celebrations. The service was held at the Benedictine Nuns Mount of Prayer, Coubaril, Saint Lucia under the anniversary theme “Adapting, Innovating, Sustaining: A Unified OECS for a Changing World”. It was also streamed live online and remains available for viewing, allowing individuals across the region to join in a shared moment of gratitude and celebration.
The event brought together dignitaries, partners, staff and members of the public to give thanks to God for His continued guidance over the years, and pay tribute to a region that continues to evolve with strength and purpose in the face of global challenges. The atmosphere was rich with worship and reflection, highlighted by the stirring choir renditions of the OECS Staff Group and a captivating live steel pan rendition by Gemmy Bailey, Procurement Officer, Pooled Procurement Services, OECS Commission.
Dr. Kisha Grant, Manager, Office of the Director General, OECS Commission, delivering welcome remarks, highlighted the OECS’ enduring legacy and collective mission, stating:
“As we mark 44 years as an organisation, we pause to reflect, with gratitude, on the journey that brought us here. The early visionaries who laid the foundation. The staff who weathered challenges and delivered results. The leadership that has guided that mission. And the shared belief that what we do truly matters- because ultimately, we are not simply here to fulfil a mandate. We have a shared purpose. We are here to serve. To make a difference. To lift others through what we do everyday.”
In a moving address, Director General of the OECS, H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to regional integration, unity and public service, with a particular focus on serving and uplifting the poor and vulnerable.
We are here to celebrate the 44th anniversary, and it is always a moment of praise and worship, of thanks to God for what he has done for us and through us, for the work that has been accomplished in the OECS and we come well dressed today in honour of that moment. But notwithstanding the clothes that we wear, we always come before God naked. He doesn’t see how finely dressed we are. He sees everything about ourselves that no one else can see, and so even while we give praise it is an opportunity to reflect deeply on what have we done to fulfil his will in this organisation, and on behalf of our people.”
Pastor Travis Curt Berance of the Northern District Seventh Day Adventist Church, Saint Lucia, delivered a powerful sermonette on unity, leadership and standing in the gap for our communities. Reflecting on the scripture reading Ezekiel 22:29-30, he emphasized:
“As I read and reflected on the passage late last night, I asked myself do we have a man, do we have a man that can stand in the gap, ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, because you should understand it is not just how educated a person might be. You must understand it must not just relate to how much one has acquired. Today, you must understand, ladies and gentlemen, that it is about a man who is selfless. It is about a man who will put the people before his own needs. It’s about the man who will stand in the gap and declare that I have understood the plight of human beings.”
The service also included a series of bidding prayers offered by OECS members of staff. These prayers lifted up intentions for peace in the region and an end to crime and violence. Additional intercessions were made for the sick and shut-in, world and national leaders and church leaders. Special intentions were also offered for the youth, and the continued strength of the OECS’ mission.
As the OECS 44th anniversary celebrations continue, the OECS remains steadfast in its mission to drive impact and promote regional integration and sustainable development for the betterment of the people of the region, continuing to honour and uphold the values on which it was built. The public is also reminded to join in OECS Colours Day on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, by wearing green, yellow, white and navy blue in a vibrant display of unity.
