The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission hosted a successful webinar, “Free Movement in the OECS: A Citizen’s Rights,” on September 4, 2024. In summary, the event explored the benefits and legal frameworks supporting free movement within the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union (ECEU). Key topics included access to social programs, hassle-free travel, employment opportunities, and disaster resilience.
Panel of Experts Discusses Regional Integration
Moderated by Dr. Wendy Grenade from St. George’s University, the webinar featured prominent figures from Eastern Caribbean States. These included Saint Kitts and Nevis Attorney General Garth Lucien Wilkin, OECS Business Council President Gordon Charles of Saint Lucia, and Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Deputy Governor Dr. Valda Henry of Dominica. Furthermore, they discussed regional integration, emphasizing the need for strong legal frameworks to support the free movement of people across OECS Protocol Member States.
Data Collection and Legislative Support
In addition, Dr. Natasha Mortley, Senior Research Fellow at University of the West Indies (UWI), highlighted the importance of robust data collection to support free movement. Similarly, OECS Commission official Joel Richards stressed the need to eliminate legislative and administrative barriers, pointing to the upcoming Model OECS Contingent Rights Bill, which will be reviewed by Protocol Member States later this year.
Commitment to Legislative Progress
The webinar underscored the OECS’ commitment to advancing regional integration. It also highlighted the OECS’ duty to ensuring that free movement rights under the Revised Treaty of Basseterre are fully realized. Moreover, panelists reaffirmed their organizations’ support for ongoing legislative efforts. As a result, these initiatives aim to strengthen the free movement framework and ensure benefits for all OECS Citizens.
Full recording of the webinar is available on the OECS Website.
Source/Photo: OECS
