Unique Opportunity to Deepen Regional Integration

Contact: John Emmanuel

Tuesday, June 19, 2001 - Outgoing Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Swinburne Lestrade, has been commenting publicly on what he believes are the reasons for the failure on the part of sub-regional Heads of Government, to bring into being the much talked about Barbados/OECS unity.

Mr. Lestrade is of the view that a lack of commitment to the process on both sides was the underlining factor. He told a team of regional journalists that the region missed out on a perfect opportunity to deepen the integration process. “While one or two of the OECS Heads may have been enthusiastic about Barbados’ membership, I cannot confirm that that enthusiasm was shared by all of the sub-regional Heads. If anything, my suspicion would be no, not all the Heads shared the enthusiasm of some for Barbados’ membership to the OECS,” said Lestrade

He says other factors such as the general election in Barbados may have contributed to the loss of enthusiasm for the process. Meantime Mr. Lestrade expressed confidence that the Ralph Gonsalves administration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, provides yet another opportune moment for deepening the integration process.

According to Lestrade, “I do expect Dr. Gonsalves to made a difference. I’m not taking political sides in the context of St. Vincent politics, but in terms of regionalism, I do expect him to make a difference. Why am I saying that? Firstly, in terms of his long and manifest commitment and secondly it’s not often that in the heat of a national election campaign to hear a leader speak in terms of regionalism and Caribbean civilization. That was evident in the case of Dr. Gonsalves in the run-up to St. Vincent’s general election.”

Lestrade says other OECS heads should look towards seizing the current opportunity to deepen the integration process, before cold water is thrown on the issue.

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