Speaking at the 71st OECS Authority meeting yesterday, the Chairman, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has helped to underscore the need for collective action.
He reiterated the need for unity as member states confront a mix of challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as existing threats such as the impact of climate change.
He told the delegates at the meeting that the sub-region must be clear and united in standing together to shape common solutions and acting with collective determination to succeed against the forces of nature, as well as the geopolitical dynamic that remains insensitive to small island developing and vulnerable states.
The Grenadian leader acknowledged that the meeting was held against the backdrop of the ongoing challenges brought about by COVID-19, with frontline employees continuing to work around the clock, regional economies under pressure from pandemic fallout and OECS nationals coping with the impact of the pandemic on their lives and livelihoods.
Given the increased frequency of dialogue, the OECS Authority Chairman said it’s imperative that member states find ways of conducting meeting with greater precision, more focused discussion and clear, decisive outcomes.
Among other agenda items were matters pertaining to the free circulation of goods and the free movement of people; the OECS work programme and budget, the adoption of the report of the 70th meeting and the Chairman’s Report for the period 2020-2021.
