OECS Ministers Meet To Discuss Regional Economic Strategy

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

11 October 2002

The Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) met on Thursday to discuss a co-ordinated regional economic strategy, and to determine how best to pursue a new 'development charter'.

On the agenda for Thursday's meeting, according to St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Denzil Douglas were issues of economic and social importance to the region, such as information technology development, the efficient provision of international financial services, tourism development, and the importance of ensuring 'proper fiscal management'.

Speaking to the local media, Prime Minister Douglas- who is also the current chairman of the OECS, and as such played host to this week's meeting - revealed that 'valuable inputs' had been received from many quarters to the proposed development charter. Contributors, according to the St Kitts and Nevis leader, had included the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, OECS education and social development ministries, and the private sectors of member states.

Today, the OECS Summit will conclude with a day-long consultation between the region's public and private sectors on 'Effective Partnership for Development'.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States comprises: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands are associate members of the Organisation.

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