BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HEADS of government from the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) officially affixed their signatures to the Treaty of Basseterre yesterday (Dec. 29), a historic move that is set to deepen the integration process and establish the OECS Economic Union.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by heads of state, leaders of political parties, government and private sector officials and members of the consular and diplomatic corps from around the region as they convened in the historic capital Basseterre where the original Treaty of Basseterre was signed 28 years ago.
The signing signifies that upon the actual inauguration of the new treaty, the sub-region would be made into a single financial and economic space without barriers to trade between national markets in goods, services and the factors of production. Sectors that have been listed in the treaty for joint action include agriculture, tourism, education, transport and civil aviation, environmental sustainability and telecommunication.
The historic treaty was signed by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Hon. Baldwin Spencer; Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Maynard in the absence of his island’s Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerritt; Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon. Tillman Thomas; Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Hon. Stephenson King and the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves.
Montserrat's Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Victor James was present at the ceremony but did not sign the treaty as the dependent territory has not yet received official approval from the British Government.
As the current Chairman of the OECS Authority, PM Douglas described the day as one of “profound historical import” for the region as leaders commit their countries to a closer union.
While the region has faced a number of challenges bearing widespread implications, Douglas highlighted the success stories of the OECS and its resilience. He added that the signing is a “fundamental philosophical transformation and political commitment to deepening the level of integration among member states”.
“This act bears tremendous positive significance. The OECS is the innermost of the concentric circles that define the Caribbean’s integration landscape. The success of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is heavily dependent on the success of the OECS.
“It is our firm conviction that the path which we have chosen is in fact the right one. As we embark upon this new phase of societal organization, we remain focussed on the simple objective of improving the quality of life of the people of the OECS region. We are supremely confident that the treaty of Basseterre establishing the OECS Economic Union not only provides that framework, but much more importantly it also provides the means for ensuring the successful realization of that very important objective,” Douglas said in his feature address.
The move was also hailed by OECS Director-General Dr. Len Ishmael, as she acknowledged the commitment of the region’s leaders to a deeper and more resilient union.
Before it can be implemented, the treaty will first have to be ratified by the respective parliaments. It is expected to come into effect on June 18, 2010, the 29th anniversary of the signing of the original Treaty of Basseterre. Trinidad and Tobago is expected to join the union in 2013.
