The OECS Secretariat is upbeat about the recently held 2nd OECS Council of Ministers of Tourism, which took place in Anguilla.

Director of the Economic Affairs Division at the OECS Secretariat Randy Cato says the meeting was “very very successful”. He notes that Anguilla’s presentation of its Tourism Investment Policy was impressive. 

The lead presentation by the Government of Anguilla looked at how they deal with tourism investment. The 

process of assessing the potential investor is thorough and it clearly identifies the benefits the country can derive from the investment by applying the due diligence approach. It is also a process that helps to minimize the intrusion and impact of unscrupulous investors. Cato says the process is efficient and meticulous. 

“In a way, they leave nothing to chance. The process is carefully thought through. There are a couple of things in that process that struck me. One, the extent to which the technical capacity of the country has been harnessed to engage with proposed developers in ways that are clearly of benefit to the country. Secondly, that the process follows a clearly defined path and the directions and instructions approved by the political directorate. But having been approved by the political directorate, the technical and administrative personnel are left to carry on their negotiations with the developers within the framework approved by the political directorate. This I thought gives a degree of transparency, predictability and certainty as to how the negotiating process itself will proceed.” 

Director of the Economic Affairs Division at the OECS Secretariat Randy Cato To this end, the OECS Council of Ministers of Tourism has mandated the Secretariat to follow up on Anguilla’s impressive presentation by pulling together a meeting to focus essentially on the issue regarding Tourism Investment. The Council discussed matters relating to standards in the industry. Some of the member countries are considering and putting measures in place to establish critical standards in the tourism industry to enhance and sustain a significant level of competitiveness. 

“This is to help ensure that we put in place the kind of quality product that will make us continue to be internationally competitive. We have been mandated to follow up on that area of work.”-Cato 

The Council also considered the tangible results expected from an upcoming historic and major Sports Tourism event, as the Caribbean prepares to host one of the greatest shows on Earth the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Cato commented that the 2007 Cricket World Cup was high and crucial to the agenda. The council looked at how the non venue countries can be a part of the benefits that should flow to the OECS. Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis and St. Lucia have been chosen among the host venues for world cup cricket matches. The meeting requested that secretariat organizes a programme to help ensure approaches are put in place to help maximize benefit flows across the OECS including the non venue countries. “ That is going to be contingent on when the appointment of the Cricket World Cup’s travel and tours partner happens because a lot of the arrangements will have to take place in the context of what a travel and tour partner will be prepared to put in place”-Cato 

Further, the member countries expressed continued support for the region’s participation in the renowned Grand Pavoir boat show later this year. The OECS will be hosted as Guest of Honnour at the prestigious event in September. 

The second Council of OECS Ministers of Tourism was staged at the Paradise Cove Resort at Cove Bay West End Anguilla on April 21 st.

Contacts: 

Daphne Vidal Tourism Officer.

Kendol Morgan Senior Communications Officer OECS Secretariat This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Raymond O’Keiffe Comm.Officer OECS Secretariat email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it