Prime Minister Philip J Pierre issued a blunt critique of the OECS’ sluggish progress on regional integration this week, warning that years of delays in fulfilling treaty commitments, particularly on the free movement of goods, are undermining the economic union’s promise to improve citizens’ lives.
Speaking at the 7th OECS Assembly on the theme Strengthening Regional Unity in a Shifting Global Order, Pierre did not mince words, saying the organisation should not still be scrambling to implement a revised treaty that took effect in 2011.
He pushed for urgent passage of five key bills to fast-track the free circulation of goods – a cornerstone of the revised Treaty of Basseterre.
Below are highlights from his speech in St Vincent.
Call for renewed momentum in regional integration
He pointed to the revised Treaty of Basseterre, which came into force in 2011, as a pivotal moment in the OECS’ history. He echoed sentiments that the region must now give renewed momentum to integration, through the OECS, CARICOM, or the Association of Caribbean States.
Pierre critical of scrambling to fulfil treaty commitments
Referring to the Treaty’s economic union protocol, Pierre said its objectives must not be reactive or driven by external events. “This deeper integration is not temporary, not meant to be time-bound, not reactive,” he stated. “So, neither today, nor at any time, ought we to be scrambling to bring to fruition critical elements of a revised treaty that entered into force in 2011… Today, we should be fine-tuning our systems that were already in place.”
Stay the course: Warning against policy drift
He warned against distraction and policy inconsistency, urging the OECS to maintain steady commitment. “We cannot progress in fits and starts,” he said. “We cannot step off the path of the revised treaty to chase after shiny objects that appear along the way. We must stay the course.”
Economic union must improve lives of citizens
For Pierre, the success of the economic union hinges on its tangible impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. “This ultimately is the motivation, the justification for integration,” he said. “The extent to which all the regional policies, laws, institutions and actions enhance the lives and welfare of our people… this has to be the real litmus test.”
Urgency behind free circulation of goods
Turning to key legislative developments, Pierre acknowledged delays in implementing the free circulation of goods regime, which aims to allow goods to move freely once they meet regional formalities. “I will not dwell on the tardiness that has attended the introduction of this regime,” he remarked. “Suffice it to say, the free circulation of goods is a natural corridor to the free movement of people and the establishment and operation of businesses in the single financial and economic space. We must get it done.”
Delays will further impact quality of life
He noted that failure to act would further strain citizens. “The introduction of tariffs in our economic space will further put more pressure on the quality of life of our people if we do not do something now,” he warned.
Legislation to advance economic integration
To support this regime, five bills were tabled before the Assembly: the OECS Animal Health Bill, the OECS Plant Protection Bill, the OECS Food Safety Bill, the OECS Standards Bill, and the OECS Customs Control and Management Bill. Pierre confirmed that these had already been reviewed by national cabinets and urged swift action: “Barring any dissent, each of our delegations will return to the capital and submit the bills with a recommendation for enactment in our national laws.”
Final reminder: The people must come first
Pierre concluded with a reminder of the Assembly’s central purpose: “Let us always remember that we are here to represent people and to ensure that they have a better quality of life.”
