The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) convened its eighth Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (COM:FA) alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. This high-level gathering, held against a backdrop of global geopolitical instability, economic uncertainties, and intensifying climate crises, brought together Foreign Ministers from OECS member states to craft a unified strategy aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of small island developing states. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, underscored the Council’s pivotal role in addressing the region’s challenges through prompt, coordinated, and sustained actions. He emphasized that the discussions were not merely procedural but instrumental in shaping policies that directly impact the prosperity and sustainability of OECS nations. Dr. Jules remarked, ‘In these turbulent times, our mandate is clear: to safeguard resilience, defend sovereignty, and chart a sustainable future. Our strength lies in solidarity and strategy.’ Hon. Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and incoming Chair of COM:FA, highlighted the critical role of small states in the global arena. He stated, ‘Though modest in size, our voices are indispensable. The seas are rising, but so too is our resolve. Our unity is our greatest asset.’ The meeting officially commenced with the transfer of the Chairmanship from Saint Lucia’s Hon. Alva Baptiste to Hon. Frederick Stephenson. Ministers addressed a wide range of pressing issues, including reforms to Citizenship by Investment programs, financial stability, and climate advocacy ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Progress was noted on the Free Movement of Persons initiative, with calls for policy harmonization and retraining of border officials. The ongoing crisis in Haiti was also discussed, with a focus on humanitarian aid and Haitian-led solutions. Updates on U.S. trade measures affecting OECS economies were provided, alongside commitments to boost diplomatic efforts to prevent fisheries bans. The expansion of the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme was endorsed, with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines confirmed as the host for the Eastern Caribbean Liaison Service (ECLS) office in Canada. Support was also expressed for the OECS Joint Embassies in Rabat, seen as a cost-effective platform to strengthen ties with Morocco and Africa. Antigua and Barbuda shared updates on the SIDS Centre of Excellence, the Island Investment Forum, and plans to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as ministers reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, enhancing regional unity, and amplifying the Caribbean’s global voice. A virtual special session is scheduled before November 2025 to accelerate joint mission restructuring and solidify progress on the Council’s commitments.
OECS Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs: United strategy to protect livelihoods, enhance regional resilience, and promote collective prosperity
