OECS Heads Meet in Dominica

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

January 12, 1999 - Heads of Government of the OECS will meet in Dominica on January 27, 1999 to discuss a number of matters of vital interest to the future of Member countries of the sub region.

The 31^st Meeting of the Authority of the OECS will review developments in the international arena, paying special regard to the ongoing negotiations on the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas and the negotiations between Europe and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. They will also receive an update on the ongoing dispute between the USA and the European Union on the issue of the WTO compatibility and the modified European banana regime and discuss their interests in this matter.

The main regional issue to be discussed will be the interests of the OECS Members in the ongoing review of the Treaty Establishing the Caribbean Community. The OECS Member countries and Belize have always enjoyed a special status under the CARICOM Treaty in recognition of differences in development capability among the members of the Caribbean community. The Heads will review developments in regard and agree on positions which will inform the conclusion of discussions on this matter by Heads of Government of the Caribbean community.

The OECS Heads will be taking the opportunity to review progress under the OECS World Bank telecommunications reform project aimed at ensuring that the industry is re-oriented to making the maximum possible contribution to the development of the countries in the context of new competitive global environment. Discussion will also include a review of OECS countries preparation for a proposed joint approach to Cable and Wireless regarding arrangements under which the telecommunications service is currently provided to the islands.

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