Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Honourable Philip J. Pierre, is in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines today for the 7th Sitting of the OECS Assembly and the Opening Ceremony of the 77th Meeting of the OECS Authority, being held under the theme “Strengthening Regional Unity in a Shifting Global Order.”

This is one of the most consequential meetings in the history of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), taking place amid profound shifts in global geopolitics, including recent changes in U.S. foreign policy with direct implications for the Eastern Caribbean. The meeting presents an urgent opportunity for Heads of Government to engage in a deep, strategic review of the region’s vulnerabilities and to accelerate the OECS integration agenda.

The 7th Sitting of the OECS Assembly convenes this morning, bringing together representatives from Member States to discuss several regional bills. Once passed by the Assembly, these bills will move to the national parliaments for further adoption. The Assembly runs in parallel to the OECS Authority Meeting and plays a central role in advancing harmonised legislation across Member States.

Later this evening at 6:00 p.m., Prime Minister Pierre will participate in the Opening Ceremony of the 77th Meeting of the OECS Authority, which takes place at the Sandals Resort. During this ceremony, he will officially demit the Chairmanship of the OECS Authority and formally hand over leadership to Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The 77th Meeting of the Authority convenes tomorrow, Wednesday June 18 and will see OECS Heads of Government engage in high-level talks.

While Prime Minister Pierre is out of state, Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Ernest Hilaire is serving as Acting Prime Minister.
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