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| Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and Chairman of the OECS Task Force on OECS Economic Union, Sir Dwight Venner, said the latest initiative by the OECS will, among other things, serve as a forum for discussion on constitutional, political and economic changes.(Photo: eccb-centralbank.org) | |
CASTRIES, St Lucia, November 21, 2008 - Member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are pressing on towards the establishment of an Economic Union, with the launch of a series of community consultations and dialogue, as a senior official contends that the current international economic crises have given even greater urgency to such a union.
Speaking at the launch of the consultations in St Lucia, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and Chairman of the OECS Task Force on OECS Economic Union, Sir Dwight Venner, said the latest initiative by the OECS will, among other things, serve as a forum for discussion on constitutional, political and economic changes.
He suggested that this is needed especially as the countries try to maintain their economies in these troubling times.
"Given the extremely small size of the countries there are major questions of common concerns and there is need to create a common and greater economic and financial space to resolve them as well as greater social spaces for the region's people to express their abilities," he said. "We also require asserting critical mass to move our societies forward, failing which, stagnation and decline will quickly follow."
The consultations in the OECS countries are spearheaded by a National Task Force on the OECS Economic Union set up in each island.
Chairperson of St Lucia's National Task Force, Dr June Soomer, said that from last month that body has committed itself to interfacing with all communities, interest groups, schools, and organised groups, ensuring that citizens have a voice in the process over the next year.
"The next steps will commence in January 2009 and will ensure that information will reach the entire public. We believe that this partnership will undertake very successful dialogue in these places, and will ensure that the voices of the people of Saint Lucia will be reflected in the final report on the OECS Economic Union," she said.
OECS Director General Dr Len Ishmael has encouraged St Lucians to participate in the public discussions, and said they now have the chance to influence the process which will significantly shape the region's future.
However, she noted that the proposed economic union "will not be a miracle pill that can magically cure all of the ills that challenge the OECS", but said it is a step in the right direction.
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