PM Douglas in Anguilla

The Valley, Anguilla - 20th November 2009:  Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas and other OECS Heads of Government have agreed that the new treaty establishing an OECS Economic Union, will be signed on 29th December 2009 in Basseterre, St. Kitts and will be implemented by member states by June 2010.  Basseterre was the location for the signing of the first Treaty in 1981, The Treaty of Basseterre, which established the OECS.  It was a factor taken into consideration when the Heads decided on the location.

The Authority recognised that a number of member states are still to hold consultations at home.  However, it felt that this does not deter the signing of the new agreement.  All changes, amendments and concerns will be taken on board prior to and after signature as the Treaty will continue to receive whatever amendments are necessary to make it more efficient.

Prime Minister Thomas called for the Treaty to be ventilated and debated in the National Parliaments, to include the opposition in the process.  The Authority supported this call, recognising this as necessary to the process.

The Heads agreed to one final review, prior to signing the document. This will give the OECS Task Force headed by Sir Dwight Venner, the opportunity to incorporate all changes received, into the Treaty.

Grenada is represented at the Authority Meeting by Hon. Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister, and Ms. Cyrilla Steele, Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.