Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, and Opposition Leader McNiel Rogers, represented Anguilla at the Inauguration of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Regional Assembly on August 10th. The milestone event took place in the decorous St.John’s, Antigua Parliament Building at 4:00 pm. Mr. Hughes found it fitting that the OECS held such an historical and progressive event during this time of year when so many in the region, including Anguilla, were celebrating their emancipation. He stated that “the inauguration of the OECS Assembly is another vital step along the journey of emancipation,” and he takes great pride in the work OECS has done – noting the success of progressive initiatives such as the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).
The inaugural ceremony marked the commencement of an objective coalition, establishing a new institution of regional integration under Article 10 of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre (2010). The membership standing afforded in the original 1981 Treaty will remain with seven parties accorded full membership and two parties, Anguilla andBritishVirginIsland, with associated membership. ThoughAnguillais not a full member of the OECS, due to its British dependency, the Revised Treaty of Basseterre endorsed at the Assembly Inauguration, altered membership obligations for non-independent members alleviating conflicting policies in areas such as legislation.
From the nine aforementioned member states, ruling administration and the political opposition formed the inaugurated Assembly with five members of the parliament from each independent OECS member state and two-three members from the legislature of each non-independent member state. The Assembly is just one of five principal organs detailed in the Revised Treaty of Basseterre Article 7, that will meet at least twice a year. It is not a legislative body but a deliberating filter for addressing issues that impact the region. Therefore, it goes without saying that superior level political maturity must be exuded in order to reach the OECS goal of deepening regional integration for the creation of a functioning Economic Union among member states. In accordance to the Revised Treaty there are eight areas targeted in the idea of creating a single economic space: the common market, monetary policy, trade policy, maritime jurisdiction and boundaries, civil aviation, commercial policy, environmental policy and immigration policy. In simpler terms, the treaty aims to eliminate member state barriers in areas such as immigration and travel, so that the region’s people can move about freely like never before.
Friday’s inaugural ceremony began with the flying of the OECS flag and an inspection of the Guard of Honour by the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda and the OECS Chairman and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves.
Following the display, Rene Baptiste ofSt Vincent and the Grenadineswas chosen as the Assembly’s first Speaker and former Speaker of the St Kitts and NevisNational Assembly, Walford Gumbs, was elected Deputy Speaker.
The proceedings were led by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer ofAntigua and Barbuda, who was followed by the OECS Chairman. The two spoke with evident optimism for the future of the Economic Union. Host Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer stated the the inauguration “marks another significant milestone on the road to regional integration and development. We are pioneers in this noble enterprise to alter significantly how we function. It is our duty to show what is possible to those who will come after.”
The Speaker noted that the OECS Assembly has “serious work to do as these are serious times. Time is of the essence and it is our time to write our own history.” While business was the agenda of the Assembly, those present could not shake off the celebratory joy of progress not only with the OECS ventures, but also in the 2012 Olympics. While many athletes represented the region in this year’s Olympics, kudos for Kirani James echoed in the ceremony. James won the 400m Olympic gold inLondonon August 6th earningGrenadaits first Olympic medal. Host PM Spencer even went as far as to recommend that LIAT rename an aircraft in honor of James.
Despite the joy and optimism shown by Assembly members for the progress and unification of OECS member states, there is much doubt in the wider public as regards the OECS and its faculties. Anguilla’s Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, urges that “we must not expect that it will be the panacea to all that ails us. But it is a very necessary piece of architecture to enable us to deliver on the development imperatives which face our people.”
Article by : Jemila Morson
