Member countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States now have an Office at their disposal in Puerto Rico to be used as a base for stimulating trade, tourism and investment promotion.

The OECS Office, with consular attributes, was officially opened during the 4th meeting of OECS Ministers of Tourism in Puerto Rico, October 5-6th.  The ribbon was cut by the British Virgin Island’s Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism Dr. Orlando Smith on behalf of the OECS, and the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Mr. Fernando Bonilla.   

In addressing the opening ceremony, OECS Director General Dr. Len Ishmael said the event was a lesson which both sides can hold up as a shining example of regionalism to the rest of the world.  She said the OECS and Puerto Rico have been able to overcome the natural divides of history and geopolitical realities to focus on the commonality of their interests, and the geography which binds them one to the other.  Dr. Ishmael said the provision of the office by the government of Puerto Rico proves that even relatively small nations have the capacity to provide real support to those who are even smaller. 

The Puerto Rico Secretary of State, in his address, said the new office will address the needs and interests of citizens of the nine OECS member countries, while also providing commercial support for Puerto Rican and Eastern Caribbean entrepreneurs.  Mr. Bonilla says the two sides now have a bridge to make the ideal of regionalism flourish into fruitful and enduring friendly relations between neighbouring countries. 

The OECS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Puerto Rico in 2004 which identified a number of areas for collaboration. These include trade and investment, agriculture and fisheries, health, education, sports, information technology, tourism justice and governance, security, disaster management and the environment, civil aviation and air and sea ports.

For more information contact:
Kendol Morgan Senior Communications Officer Tel: (758) 455-6341 Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it