Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Chairman of the OECS Authority, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, has reaffirmed the region’s responsibility to chart its own path toward deeper integration, warning that small states cannot rely on external forces to drive regional unity.
Addressing the 7th Sitting of the OECS Assembly under the theme “Strengthening Regional Unity in a Shifting Global Order”, Prime Minister Pierre called for sustained commitment to the goals of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, which established the OECS Economic Union in 2011. “There is never a time when we can rest on our laurels,” Pierre said, noting that while the treaty provided a legal foundation, more effort is required to translate it into lasting development for OECS member states.
He warned against treating regional integration as a reaction to global events. Instead, he urged OECS governments and institutions to see unity as a permanent and necessary condition for survival and prosperity in an unpredictable international environment. “Our integration should not be reliant on external ‘push’ factors,” Pierre stated. “It must stem from our own recognition of its importance.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the long-standing challenges and delays in fully implementing key aspects of the OECS Economic Union, particularly the free circulation of goods. He stressed that this next step is essential to complement the existing regime for free movement of people. “We must get it done,” he said, referring to the overdue steps toward allowing goods to move freely within the single economic space.
The Assembly is expected to deliberate on five key bills supporting the free circulation of goods regime: the OECS Animal Health Bill, the OECS Plant Protection Bill, the OECS Food Safety Bill, the OECS Standards Bill, and the OECS Customs (Control and Management) Bill.
Each bill has already been endorsed by national Cabinets across the OECS. Pierre urged the Assembly to treat the matter with urgency, calling the forum a critical mechanism for regional representation and consensus-building. “This Assembly is a forum for the people,” he said. “Every OECS citizen should feel represented when regional laws and policies are decided.”
Pierre emphasized that deeper integration must be people-centered and results-driven, measuring success by the extent to which regional efforts improve lives across the sub-region. “The real test of OECS progress is whether it enhances the lives and welfare of our people,” he said, adding that Saint Lucia remains committed to “Putting People First.”
Looking ahead, the OECS will also focus on legislation related to rights linked to free movement of people, as well as harmonizing customs and tax structures to complete the economic union framework.
Calling for discipline, consistency, and long-term focus, Pierre empahasized: “We must stay the course, be rigorous in self-assessment, and uncompromising in achieving the objectives of our Treaty.”
