The 7th Session of the OECS Assembly took place on June 17, 2025 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, marking a decisive turning point in the history of Eastern Caribbean regional integration. This exceptional parliamentary meeting brought together representatives from twelve member states around a particularly pertinent theme: “Strengthening Regional Unity in a Changing World Order”.
A gathering in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The First Session Outside the Traditional Headquarters
For the first time in its history, the 7th Session of the OECS Assembly was held outside its traditional headquarters in Antigua and Barbuda. This symbolic decision, taken by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, testifies to the desire to democratize access to regional institutions and strengthen the sense of common belonging.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, underlined the historic importance of the event: “This is a historic moment in the history of the OECS Assembly, as it is the first time we have held a meeting outside our headquarters in Antigua and Barbuda. This initiative is perfectly in line with the organization’s philosophy, which advocates an inclusive and participatory approach to regional governance.
The session was held simultaneously with the 77th Meeting of the OECS Authority, creating an exceptional synergy between the legislative and executive bodies. The 7th Session of the OECS Assembly Assembly and Authority Meeting shared a common political framework, reinforcing the impact of exchanges.
Legislative issues at the heart of the debate
Five Bills to Strengthen Economic Union
The 7th Session of the OECS Assembly was marked by the examination of five bills fundamental to the deepening of the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union. These legislative texts, drawn up in close consultation with member states, aim to harmonize regulatory frameworks and facilitate intra-regional trade.
Bills under discussion include the OECS Animal Health Act, the Plant Protection Act, the Food Safety Act, the Standards Act and the Customs Control and Management Act. These measures form the pillars of an integrated trade system that will enable member states to reap the full benefits of economic union.
The Free Movement of Goods: An Urgent Priority
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Chairman of the OECS Authority, stressed the urgency of implementing the free movement of goods regime. “We cannot move forward in fits and starts. We cannot leave the designated path of the revised treaty to chase after shiny objects that appear along the way,” he stated firmly.
This position reflects the determination of leaders to maintain the course of economic integration despite external challenges. The 7th Session of the OECS Assembly reaffirmed the collective commitment to the creation of a unified economic space where goods can move freely once regional formalities have been completed.
Voices of the leaders: regional perspectives and ambitions
Message from Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre
In his opening address to the 7th Session of the OECS Assembly, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre reiterated that regional integration must not be dictated by external factors, but by the will of the Caribbean peoples themselves. “We must be careful, in considering this theme, to resist the notion that our integration is dictated by the international order, rather than that we are ultimately responsible as representatives of the people for charting the destiny of our region,” he asserted.
This autonomous vision of integration is underpinned by the conviction that the small island states of the Eastern Caribbean can only survive and prosper by joining forces. The Revised Treaty of Basseterre, which came into force in 2011, provides the legal springboard for the largest regional development initiative in the history of the OECS.
The Vision of Dr Ralph Gonsalves
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves emphasized the Assembly’s unique role as a “legislative filter”, enabling parliamentarians to examine draft legislation before it is adopted by individual member states. This collaborative approach, which he championed during the drafting of the revised Treaty of Basseterre, guarantees balanced representation between government majority and opposition. 7th Session of the OECS Assembly reflects this institutional maturity.
The presence of the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the 7th Session of the OECS Assembly testifies to the international recognition of the region’s integration efforts. This historic visit underlines the growing importance of the OECS on the world trade scene.
The concrete impact on the people of the Eastern Caribbean
Quota Rights and Citizen Mobility
The 7th Session of the OECS Assembly paid particular attention to the contingent rights of citizens moving within the economic union. These rights include access to education, healthcare and other essential services, thus ensuring that the free movement of people is not limited to a simple right of passage, but is accompanied by genuine opportunities for self-fulfillment.
Dr. Gonsalves explained: “You have to have a certain minimum set of contingent rights for your children to go to school, access to the health system and things like that”. This humanistic approach to integration places the well-being of citizens at the center of political concerns, in keeping with the Saint Lucia government’s motto “Putting People First”.
OECS citizens and their spouses can now work in any member state of the protocol without a work permit, and are entitled to portability of social security benefits. These concrete advances are the direct result of discussions at the 7th Session of the OECS Assembly.
