CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will observe its 44th anniversary on June 18, saying that the occasion calls on nationals of the sub-region to reflect on a shared journey of resilience, transformation, and progress.
The OECS comprises the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin.
A statement from the St. Lucia-based OECS Commission on Monday said that the anniversary would be observed under the theme “Adapting, Innovating, Sustaining: A Unified OECS for a Changing World” and will pay tribute to a region that continues to evolve with strength and purpose in the face of global challenges.
“All twelve member states will celebrate in a vibrant expression of solidarity, showcasing innovation and celebrating the enduring spirit of OECS integration,” the Commission said, adding that this year’s activities will be headlined in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, focusing on the OECS Free Movement of Persons Regime with support from the International Organization of Migration (IOM) Caribbean Office and the ECS Regional Integration, through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) Programme funded by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).
The OECS Commission said, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Caribbean Office, they “hope to draw a refreshing glance into migration opportunities, the benefits of free movement, and contingent rights within the OECS with the 44th-anniversary activities”.
It stated that the regional telecommunications provider, FLOW, has also added support for the OECS 44th anniversary and the Free Movement of Persons Regime, with a special SMS campaign that will run in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Other highlights of the anniversary celebrations will include a Thanksgiving Service on June 11, as well as an opportunity for students to learn about the OECS from staff and the unveiling of the OECS Economic Union Billboard on June 13.
It stated that St. Vincent and the Grenadines citizens will be given a bright, bold reminder of their Free Movement benefits as OECS nationals with a billboard featuring a QR code for more information on the OECS Free Movement of Persons webpage.
This year also marks an enhancement in information accessibility as the OECS Commission sets out to launch an official chatbot on its website, providing 24/7 support, handling common queries, and offering personalized interactions.
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