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The OECS Authority has agreed to an increase in the allocation of expenditure
to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to help improve efficiency and delivery
of judicial services to the people of the sub region.
The Authority agreed to the appointment of a committee under the judicial and
legal services commission to review the terms and conditions of work for judges
across the jurisdiction of the court to help ensure that there is equitable
treatment of all judicial personnel from across the region and to ensure that
specific terms and conditions are clarified.
Addressing a live media conference at the end of the 39th OECS Authority last
Friday, Chairman of the Authority St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony
advised that appropriate system be put in place to ensure the continued
appointment of a Chief Justice for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court using the
most effective approach. This in light of a refashioning of the British system
which may no longer accommodate the appointment of a Chief Justice fro the OECS
Supreme Court.
The Heads also reflected on Haiti and noted that it was important that the
regime in Haiti continue to inspire the rest of the region by confidence
building measures primarily aimed at strengthening and securing democracy in
Haiti. Dr. Anthony says Heads are hopeful that the issue of the relationship
between Caricom and Haiti will be resolved at the Caricom Summit this July in
St. Georges.
The serious problem surrounding OECS nationals claiming refugee status in Canada
was addressed but further considerations are to be made when the Heads meet
again in November at which time the OECS High Commissioner for Canada will be in
attendance
The meeting also reflected on the policy regarding whaling in the sub-region and
it was agreed that the Authority would build on a paper tabled by the government
of Antigua and Barbuda with a view towards harmonizing policies on this issue.
The Authority also agreed to enter into discussion with the government of
Trinidad and Tobago to establish a basic memorandum of cooperation on key
issues. To that end a small team comprising Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves,
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Prime Minister Kenny Anthony will hold
discussions on areas of mutual interest including health, fuel costs, trade, and
access to education.
Problems concerning the spiraling cost of oil were also addressed and a
statement will be made in an official Communiqué from the OECS Authority. The
heads addressed the idea of a regional energy policy. The OECS Authority
Chairman says there are compelling reasons now why more attention must be paid
to this issue. This as the government of Trinidad and Tobago intends to
construct a pipeline carrying natural gas to Guadeloupe. Prime Minister Anthony
described the plan as a major development for the Eastern Caribbean and it is
therefore vital that to begin the process of harmonizing the sub-regions energy
policy to help inform its directions.
The meeting agreed that the OECS Development Strategy, which provides a road map
for the economic development of the sub-region, is to be tabled in the national
Parliaments of each OECS Member State. This to ensure that the contents of the
document were shared with the people of the region and that it received the
support of the political directorate.
A report on an assessment of the OECS School system showed there was reason for
serious concern about the level of performance, and Heads mandated that the
report goes before OECS Ministers of Education for work on a corrective plan of
action.
The heads agreed to speedy passage of legislation and regulatory measures to
ensure that the proposed Civil Aviation Authority is established, and to lay the
groundwork for the region to be upgraded from a category One to a Category Two
status.
The meeting welcomed the proposal for an OECS Business forum and the creation of
an OECS Private Sector Organisation to represent the collective private sector
view in regional development matters.
The 40th OECS Authority meeting will be held on November 11th and 12th at a
venue to be announced. End Thanks to the media for the usual support.
Contact:
Kendol Morgan, Senior Communications Officer:
kmorgan@oecs.org
Raymond O’Keiffe, Communications Officer OECS Sec. email:
rokeiffe@oecs.org
ikeifo@yahoo.com
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