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Contact:
John Emmanuel
Monday, November 07, 2005 - Moves at further deepening economic
integration of the sub-region have topped the agenda for talks, at the 42nd
Meeting of the OECS Authority underway in Anguilla. The two-day meeting ends
Tuesday, November 8th and will see the Heads discussing a draft OECS Economic
Union Treaty, which when adopted, will replace the existing Treaty of Basseterre
and will speak more directly to the creation of an Economic Union in the OECS
sub-region.
They will also deliberate on matters concerning OECS Member States’
implementation of arrangements for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, (CSME)
and the associated Regional Development Fund. The Heads will discuss proposals
for reform of the Magistrates Courts in the sub-region; the role and functions
of Directors of Public Prosecution; and the OECS Legal and Judicial Affairs
Commission.
There will be a presentation to the meeting highlighting the benefits to the
sub-region’s yachting sector from the recent joint participation by the nine
OECS Member States in the Grand Pavois Boat show in La Rochelle, France. The
OECS participated as Guest of Honour under the theme, ‘Many Islands One Sea’ and
secured new business opportunities for marinas, yacht charter companies, and the
manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services.
The Meeting will also receive updates on the work of the OECS Regional
Coordinating Mechanism for HIV/AIDS; the OECS Regional Prison Service, which is
proposing options for alternative non-custodial sentencing in the sub-region;
the transition process from Sugar in St. Kitts/Nevis; and recent developments in
the banana trade.
The current Chairman of the OECS Authority is Prime Minister Honourable Dr.
Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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