Some media reports have incorrectly given the impression that the inclusion of Venezuela as a member of the OECS grouping is under active consideration at this time.

A question about Venezuela joining the nine-member OECS grouping was raised at the closing press conference of the just ended 48th Meeting of the OECS Authority on 22nd November 2008, in Montserrat. 

Dr. Ishmael told the reporters that the Organization was very much preoccupied with its own timetable to implement plans for an Economic Union among its Member States at this moment in time. She pointed out however, that there currently exists strong bilateral relations between Venezuela and individual Member States which the Member States are keen to maintain and continue to develop. In addition, she noted that there were already some areas in which Venezuela engaged the OECS at the regional level and that any initiatives aimed at strengthening the bonds of functional collaboration at the regional level, would be discussed by Member States.   

Venezuela is among a growing number of countries from different parts of the world which have sought, in recent months, to formalize ties with the OECS through different arrangements, including the presentation of credentials at the regional level.