BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (JANUARY 22ND 2004) – The Federation’s Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas has been asked to chair the 38th Meeting of the Authority of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Prime Minister Douglas presided over the plenary sessions which opened in Castries, the St. Lucia capital this morning, in the absence of the Chief Minister of Montserrat, Dr. the Hon. John Osbourne, who is currently recuperating from recent surgery.
During the opening session, newly-elected Prime Minister of Dominica, the Hon. Roosevelt Skerritt, said he will continue to build on the foundation left by his predecessor, the late Hon. Pierre Charles, for the betterment and benefit of Dominicans.
Mr. Skerritt expressed high hopes of praise for Prime Minister Douglas, whom he commended for the excellent work in the regional HIV/AIDS programme from which Dominica has benefited immensely.
He concluded his presentation by informing the meeting, it was because of Dr. Douglas’ thrift and perseverance in regional health matters, that United States President George Bush publicly thanked and commended him for his fight and successes achieved during his participation in the recent Special Summit of the Americas.
Mr. Skerritt was applauded on his appointment, which makes him the youngest Prime Minister of the Caribbean Region and wished him well before presenting him with a book of condolences signed by all OECS Heads and members of the general public.
British Virgin Islands Chief Minister Dr. the Hon. Orlando Smith in remarks gave the assurance that the British territory will keep its relationship with the OECS under constant review as they remain committed to a regional approach.
Dr. Smith concluded by informing the meeting that the region must work together to strengthen the weaker links of the chain.
Host Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Pierre Charles, whom he said died in the struggle to bring new life and happiness to the people of Dominica.
Mr. Anthony emphasised the fundamental changes emanating from the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, which have caused the current economic climate of the region to be uncertain.
He urged the need for deeper integration as the vision of the future for the OECS. This he said must be achieved through greater flexibility of the labour market, a removal of impediments for the free movement of labour and capital and an ongoing dialogue between the leaders and the people they serve.
