Castries, September 29, 2011 

The Director General of the OECS has congratulated the Government and people of Montserrat on the recent adoption of a new Constitution by that OECS Member State. 

As of midnight September 26, 2011 a new Constitution came into force for Montserrat featuring numerous improvements in respect of fundamental rights and freedoms, and the governance arrangements for that country. 

In a congratulatory note issued on September 27, 2011, and in subsequent correspondence, the Director General extended “warm and hearty congratulations to the Government and people of Montserrat on the historic occasion of the coming into force of the new Constitution…” 

In noting the numerous improvements afforded by the new Constitution, the Director General looked forward to “the impact of those improvements on the quality of life of the people of Montserrat”. 

Particular note was taken of the new Constitution’s recognition of Montserrat’s long tradition of participation in regional affairs, as reflected in the delegation of responsibility to the Premier (subject to prescribed conditions) for the conduct and pursuit within Caribbean regional organizations, of Caribbean regional and external affairs of interest to, or affecting Montserrat. The Director General looked forward to “the continued active participation of Montserrat in the affairs of the Caribbean, and in particular the OECS”. In that latter connection, the Director General looked forward “with great anticipation” to Montserrat’s accession to membership of the OECS Economic Union. 

The Director General assured the Premier, and the Government and people of Montserrat of her continued support and that of the Secretariat, and wished them success and prosperity in the new dispensation.