The OECS Secretariat has assured a major regional meeting on public procurement of its full support for the best possible balanced regional system for acquiring goods and services.The OECS Secretariat’s Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (PPS) as well as its Electronic Government Regional Integration of project (EGRIP) were among the key presenters at the first Caribbean Commonwealth Public Procurement Network’s Technical Conference which was held in Castries from May 17^th to 18^th2010.

Addressing delegates at the historic event, Head of the Functional Corporation Programme Management Unit at the OECS Secretariat, Ms. Beverly Best noted the urgency for further combined efforts in the region to help ensure the best possible standards of procurement: “…Current conditions present enormous challenges for the region, but that this is a time when those involved in procurement can really make their mark. I believe that with an appetite to adopt best practices, the desire to have stronger and more collaborative relationships among ourselves, and a scrupulous regard for the development of a reformed regulatory framework, we can build a fairer society in the region through sound and reformed procurement systems, practices and policies. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, wants to reassure the various procurement partners here in Saint Lucia of its commitment and the keen interest of the Governments of the OECS in ensuring the viability of this partnership in building transparent, accountable procurement processes which will ensure that all potential suppliers are given fair and equitable treatment.  It is especially important for successful procurement outcomes that suppliers perceive that a genuine, open and transparent environment exists for public procurement.  …., this is at the heart of the procurement agenda for the OECS region.”

Ms. Best added that approaches towards enhancing the collective procurement of goods and services will also lend to supporting the thrust towards establishing an OECS Economic Union: “Notwithstanding the progress made in public procurement in the OECS, the reality is that there are no quick fixes. It is recognized that the impacts on the lives of populations will take longer to remedy if there is the absence of a balanced approach to public procurement. In this regard, the OECS Secretariat through its Legal Unit is actively involved in consultations towards reforming the regulatory framework that will support a sound and robust procurement framework in the OECS region.  According to the OECS Country Procurement Assessment Report, the regulatory framework in the OECS requires outdating and requires substantial reform.  Gaps in the framework contribute to distorted practices and the perception that the system lacks transparency.  Therefore development of a sound harmonized regime in the OECS for public sector procurement would strengthen and unify OECS’ position in international trade fora and would enhance regional trade in goods and services.  This initiative is consistent with the thrust towards deepening integration among OECS Member States as they move towards the establishment of an Economic Union.”

The establishment of a chapter of the Commonwealth Public, Procurement Network within the Caribbean as well as enabling learning and sharing of country experiences for strengthening of procurement practitioners  and advancing procurement reform in the Caribbean was among the key objectives of the three day high level conference taking place in Saint Lucia. The OECS Secretariat welcomed  the  Conference as one which marks a new milestone in the strengthening of partnerships and regional cooperation in public sector procurement, adding that the Conference is all the more historic being hosted at a time when resources are scarce and public sector reform and modernization are more important than ever.

Media Contact: Raymond O’Keiffe Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel. 1-758- 455-6305 or 455-OECS

Subject Contact: Beverly Best, Tel. 455-OECS or 452-2537