OECS Attorneys General are to seek the advice of a treaties specialist as they further consider legal support mechanisms for the proposed OECS Economic Union.  This was among major conclusions at the recently held 15th meeting of the OECS Legal Affairs Committee or OECSLAC in Saint Lucia.

On the movement towards deepening the integration process, the meeting examined differences between the CARICOM Revised Treaty and the proposed OECS Economic Union and endorsed the need for a treaties expert to guide the committee in addressing the draft OECS Economic Union agreement.

The new Head of the OECS Legal Affairs Unit Keith Friday says the OECS Economic Union attracted extensive dialogue: “It attracted quite a bit of attention. The Attorneys General went through some of the draft treaty and made some recommendations; one of which is to go over the draft treaty at another LAC meeting. It’s a very important instrument which requires their significant input.”

The OECS Economic Union which speaks to one economic space for trading, free movement of labour, and other advantages is expected to be in place by December of 2009. The 15th OECS LAC meeting addressed another topical issue, which is particularly timely when one considers the many cases of domestic abuse in the region. Discussions on the OECS Family Law and Domestic Violence Reform Project were guided by a report on activities undertaken during the period 13th January 2003 to 31st August 2008 as well as the Social Services Delivery component of the project. The Social Services Delivery component seeks to facilitate effective implementation of laws, to help ensure the success of the family law reform initiative. OECS Attorneys General also suggested approaches on some draft instruments under the OECS Family law and Domestic Violence Reform Project they are: The Maintenance of Children Bill; The Maintenance of Children Regulations; and The Family (Guardianship, Custody Access to Children) Bill.

In another conclusion coming out of the meeting the OECS Legal Affairs Committee is to continue negotiations with France in April on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty as well an Extradition Treaty to complement ongoing strategies that more effectively address crime in the region. The OECS LAC also looked at the draft agreement for the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Competition Commission. That Commission would serve as a National Competition Authority for each OECS Member State.  Consideration was given to the draft Competition Bill which contains substantive provisions relating to competition matters. The OECS Legal Affairs Unit says there was much deliberation on  the competition legislation, because of its vital importance in facilitating the Caricom Single Market and Economy CSME.  Friday further noted the need to achieve the best possible legal support mechanism for the consumer and the business owner.

The Attorneys General considered a report relating to law reform and harmonization in the OECS Member States which updated them on work undertaken by the OECS Legislative Drafting Facility.  The report included a proposal for greater collaboration with the Member States in the drafting process and for the sustainability of the law reform and harmonization process undertaken by the OECS Secretariat through the establishment of a law reform center to support integration initiatives in Member States.

The OECS LAC also welcomed its meeting with the OECS Chief Justice Hugh Rawlins and expressed support for continued dialogue. Discussions with the Chief Justice included a bill which proposes the setting up of a family division of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Among other conclusions, the OECSLAC endorsed the preparation of harmonized legislation to assist Member States' in addressing their legal obligations under World Trade Organization Agreements, the Treaty of Chaguaramas and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).  

In addition the committee supported a proposed amendment to the agreement establishing the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority.  

Keith Friday, who also met the OECSLAC for the first time as new Head of the OECS Legal Affairs Unit, is overwhelmed by the high level of solidarity among the OECS Attorneys General.”We had a very successful meeting. There is great camaraderie among the OECS Attorneys General and that is good for the continued corporation among the Member States. We look forward to the next meeting.” As host, Saint Lucia’s Attorney General Dr. Nicholas Frederick chaired 15th OECS Legal Affairs Committee meeting which was held from March 24th to 25th 2009.