B.V.I. Monday, October 5 – Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE has given full support to the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Denzil Douglas following his assumption of the chairmanship of the OECS Authority, the highest decision making body of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Dr. Douglas should have assumed chairmanship in November but he was asked by the OECS Director General Dr. Len Ishmael to take up the mantle at this time.
This follows the recent change of Government in Montserrat and the subsequent decision of the new Chief Minister Honourable Reuben Meade not to assume the chairmanship of the OECS Authority.
According to OECS correspondence, the Montserratian leader outlined “the rigours associated with establishing the work of his new administration” as the rationale behind his preference not to assume the chairmanship.
The correspondence sent to all OECS leaders states that “The OECS convention in matters such as this has been to request that the Head of Government next in line to assume the mantle of leadership be requested to consider such assumption at an earlier time.”
Responding to the OECS correspondence, Premier O’Neal expressed his pleasure that Dr. Douglas has agreed to assume leadership of the OECS Authority. He also extended his full support to Prime Minister Douglas and the work of the OECS Secretariat under his leadership.
Subject to no objections being raised by any member of the OECS Authority, Dr. Douglas will assume the chairmanship at the 50th Meeting of the OECS Authority scheduled for November 19-20 in Anguilla.
The OECS Authority is the highest decision-making body of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. It meets twice annually in member states to discuss a range of issues pertinent to the organisation. The BVI hosted the 49 Meeting of the OECS Authority from May 20-22 this year.
British Virgin Islands News