The OECS Authority has agreed to an increase in the allocation of expenditure to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to help improve efficiency and delivery of judicial services to the people of the sub region.

The Authority agreed to the appointment of a committee under the judicial and legal services commission to review the terms and conditions of work for judges across the jurisdiction of the court to help ensure that there is equitable treatment of all judicial personnel from across the region and to ensure that specific terms and conditions are clarified.

Addressing a live media conference at the end of the 39 th OECS Authority last Friday, Chairman of the Authority St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony advised that appropriate system be put in place to ensure the continued appointment of a Chief Justice for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court using the most effective approach. This in light of a refashioning of the British system which may no longer accommodate the appointment of a Chief Justice fro the OECS Supreme Court.

The Heads also reflected on Haiti and noted that it was important that the regime in Haiti continue to inspire the rest of the region by confidence building measures primarily aimed at strengthening and securing democracy in Haiti. Dr. Anthony says Heads are hopeful that the issue of the relationship between Caricom and Haiti will be resolved at the Caricom Summit this July in St. Georges.

The serious problem surrounding OECS nationals claiming refugee status in Canada was addressed but further considerations are to be made when the Heads meet again in November at which time the OECS High Commissioner for Canada will be in attendance.

The meeting also reflected on the policy regarding whaling in the sub-region and it was agreed that the Authority would build on a paper tabled by the government of Antigua and Barbuda with a view towards harmonizing policies on this issue.

The Authority also agreed to enter into discussion with the government of Trinidad and Tobago to establish a basic memorandum of cooperation on key issues. To that end a small team comprising Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Prime Minister Kenny Anthony will hold discussions on areas of mutual interest including health, fuel costs, trade, and access to education.

Problems concerning the spiraling cost of oil were also addressed and a statement will be made in an official Communiqué from the OECS Authority. The heads addressed the idea of a regional energy policy. The OECS Authority Chairman says there are compelling reasons now why more attention must be paid to this issue. This as the government of Trinidad and Tobago intends to construct a pipeline carrying natural gas to Guadeloupe. Prime Minister Anthony described the plan as a major development for the Eastern Caribbean and it is therefore vital that to begin the process of harmonizing the sub-regions energy policy to help inform its directions.

The meeting agreed that the OECS Development Strategy, which provides a road map for the economic development of the sub-region, is to be tabled in the national Parliaments of each OECS Member State. This to ensure that the contents of the document were shared with the people of the region and that it received the support of the political directorate. A report on an assessment of the OECS School system showed there was reason for serious concern about the level of performance, and Heads mandated that the report goes before OECS Ministers of Education for work on a corrective plan of action.

The heads agreed to speedy passage of legislation and regulatory measures to ensure that the proposed Civil Aviation Authority is established, and to lay the groundwork for the region to be upgraded from a category One to a Category Two status. The meeting welcomed the proposal for an OECS Business forum and the creation of an OECS Private Sector Organisation to represent the collective private sector view in regional development matters.

The 40 th OECS Authority meeting will be held on November 11 th and 12 th at a venue to be announced.

Contact:
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 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it